The Student's Guide to Research: A Comprehensive Overview

Research is a fundamental activity that drives discovery and innovation across various disciplines. Whether in the sciences, humanities, or fine arts, research involves a systematic process of inquiry aimed at uncovering new information and expanding our understanding of the world. This guide provides students with a comprehensive overview of the research process, opportunities, and resources available to them.

What is Research?

The term "research" originates from the French word "recherche," meaning "to search closely." While the specific methods and approaches may differ across disciplines, the underlying principle remains the same: research is an inquiry-based activity that leads to discovery.

In the sciences, research typically follows the hypothetico-deductive method. This involves formulating hypotheses, deducing predictions, and testing those predictions through experimentation and observation.
In the humanities, research often involves the synthesis of existing knowledge to generate new ideas and perspectives. These ideas can then be further explored and debated by others.
In the fine arts, research can manifest as the creation of new works and techniques, building upon existing modalities and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Regardless of the discipline, research is a dynamic and iterative process that involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and a commitment to rigorous investigation.

Research Opportunities for Students

For students interested in gaining research experience, numerous opportunities exist. These opportunities range from volunteer positions to paid research assistantships and summer research programs.

Research Volunteers

A research volunteer is a student who dedicates their time to assist a research mentor in various research activities. These positions are typically unpaid and are ideal for students who want to gain a better understanding of the role of research in a specific field of study. Research volunteers are generally expected to dedicate at least six hours a week to the research experience, assisting the mentor in appropriate research activities. The experience is typically for one semester but can be expanded or adapted into a Student Researcher position with the agreement of the student and mentor. The mentor will be responsible for negotiating a work schedule and providing the student with a successful research experience.

Student Researchers for Credit

Many departments offer courses that allow students to earn course credit for their research experience. These courses are often listed as independent research under a specific faculty member. Before registering for a research credit course, it is essential to meet with the faculty member to obtain their approval. If you register for one of these courses you will arrange your research hours with your research mentor. The research course can count as credit towards your major. If credit is an important aspect of your participation as a student researcher you should discuss this with your advisor and faculty member.

Summer Student Researchers

Summer research programs provide students with an intensive research experience over the summer months. These programs are often paid and require a significant time commitment, typically around 40 hours per week. Summer student researchers are usually University of Miami students or may be visiting from another university, college, or high school. This student usually has career plans that involve research in his or her future.

Important Considerations

Before committing to a research position, it is crucial to carefully consider your interests, skills, and time constraints. Do not accept a position if you are unsure or have doubts. There is no obligation to accept a position. Make sure that it will be a right fit so that you will follow through on your commitment to the research mentor. The majority of positions are voluntary. It's essential to have an open and honest conversation with the research mentor to ensure that the experience will be mutually beneficial.

Presenting Your Research

The opportunities to present your researches are numerous. In fact, the academic grants administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research require student to write a research paper worthy of publication or make a poster presentation at a symposium. Presenting your research findings is an integral part of the research process. It allows you to share your work with others, receive feedback, and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum (RCIF)

Each spring, our office hosts the Research, Creativity and Innovation Forum (RCIF), where all UM students conducting research are invited to present their projects. The RCIF provides a platform for students to showcase their research projects through oral presentations, poster sessions, and other formats.

Read also: Research programs: summer edition

Publications and Presentations

In addition to the RCIF, students may also have the opportunity to publish their research findings in academic journals or present their work at conferences and workshops. Academic grants administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research require students to write a research paper worthy of publication or make a poster presentation at a symposium. Your research mentor can provide guidance and support in preparing your work for publication or presentation.

Resources for Students

Numerous resources are available to support students in their research endeavors. These resources include libraries, online databases, writing centers, and research centers.

Library Resources

Libraries provide access to a vast collection of books, journals, and other scholarly materials. They also offer assistance with research strategies, citation management, and other essential research skills. This guide provides links to primary and secondary sources, as well as information on citing sources, formatting papers, strategies for searching, and types of sources. If you have specific questions, you can always contact a Library of Congress reference librarian, via the "Ask-a-Librarian" feature on the left side of the page. *Note: Researchers age 16 and above may apply for a readers card to use the Main Reading Room. Researchers must be at least 18 years old to use the Manuscript Division; in the Prints and Photographs Division, researchers age 15 and up may use the reading room if they meet certain criteria outlined online. Children are not allowed to accompany adult researchers.

Online Writing Guide

If you want to learn helpful tips to improve your writing and you are ready to organize and streamline your writing process, the guide is full of useful information to assist in each step. The online writing guide can assist you with:

College Writing: Where do you begin?
The Writing Process: How do you tackle a writing assignment from beginning to end?
The Research Process: How do you incorporate research into your writing?
Appendix C: Developing an Improvement PlanDo you want to improve your writing over time?

University of Miami's Commitment to Open Research

The University of Miami is committed to an open teaching and research environment with the ability to publish results freely. Most education and research here will fall under “Fundamental Research” as defined by US laws and regulations as basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community. This is distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilization, the results of which are ordinarily restricted for proprietary or national security reasons. Not all of the research conducted at the University will fall under Fundamental Research. In those instances, the University will need to ensure compliance with all US laws and regulations on export control prior to the start of the research.

Read also: Formulating research questions

Clinical Research

Clinical Research deal with data, not the patients.

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