The research journal as an organizer

What is a research journal? This is a journal, either on your computer or paper, where you keep track of everything related to your research project. If you have it on your computer in word, I suggest using a Research Journal folder and separate files within it. So it might look like this:

Research Journal

             Dissertation progress notes

             Library

             Future research ideas 

This will make it much easier to find things later. Within your files, I suggest always including the date and you may find it helpful to post the newest item at the top of the page. That way you don't have to scroll down to find the end. 

If you have a paper version, consider some type of dividers, you can use post it notes for this if actual folders aren't practical. Divide your journal similarly to the sub files above and always date your entries. 

In the section "Dissertation progress notes," keep a running log of what you are doing on your dissertation. It is also a good idea to write down comments from your chair or committee member. This is where you can vent your frustrations and share your excitement. 

In the section on "Library," write down your search terms and data bases used. You might want also to keep track of articles that you want to look up or ones that people suggest to you. 

In the section "Future research ideas," keep track of the connections that you see to other possible research studies. Even if right now, you don’t see yourself doing research in the future, write them down anyway. Someday you may be in a position to conduct more research and this will give you a start (or suggestions for future students). 

Next time I will talk about organizing your computer. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu