Looking back I believe I have only written one research paper in my life. I do not remember the subject matter of the paper, but I do remember the process. I thought of the research paper as sort of a “show and tell” event. I was given a topic to research and I would then present it to the teacher once I understood the topic. It seemed simple but it would require a lot of time to fully grasp the topic. In high school, time was something I did not have. So, I looked for ways to expedite the research process.
Like we read in the “The Great Research Disaster” my first inclination was to visit Wikipedia, the forbidden fruit. Now don’t get me wrong I’ve read the bible, and I know to eat the fruit would only bring bad things, but then again I’m only a man. As I began to read a great summary of my topic I only gained as much knowledge about it as would allow me to at least fake that I knew it inside and out. The truth was I had a very shallow understanding of my subject. As a result, my grade reflected this.
I have not done another research paper since this old high school assignment, but I know what I will do for my next paper. I’m going to try not to cut corners and do an in-depth study of my topic. I think I’ve realized that research is one of those things in life that you cannot shorten. There is a reason why it takes so long. It is one of those instances where the journey has almost as big of an impact as the destination. Chevy Chase said it best in the movie Vacation when he said, “The journey sucks. But that’s what makes you appreciate your destination.” Along the way to finishing your paper there is so much knowledge out there that you have no idea exists. One little fact could change your whole perception of your topic. Which would in turn change your whole paper. I look forward to testing this hypothesis of more detailed research on my next paper, and seeing if it benefits me more than a quick Google of the topic.