Thesis Research
The first step in the master’s thesis research process is to use the chosen topic and identify the focal points of the question and explore areas where research materials may be available.
Skimming Relevant Research
If, for example, the topic was regarding the strategic implications of the North Africa campaign in World War II for the German military situation, a good place to start would be to skim relevant academic literature from key academic databases on the internet. EBSCOHost, Nexus Lexus, and other databases that your university has access to are some of the best resources for conducting preliminary research regarding a particular topic. Skimming the articles, research abstracts, and other sources of information will allow you to begin compiling information on different themes present in the research question, and enable you to further tailor your research towards areas that you feel best support your thesis. The online method is an excellent way to gain wide exposure to a variety of different sources.
Trust Your Advisor
Another method is to ask for advice from a trusted faculty member or an expert in the field. Oftentimes, you will find that a professor at your university will be an excellent resource for information regarding your specific topic, and building that personal relationship is always an excellent tool to cultivate. Feel free to reach out to faculty at other universities and institutions for research advice as well. Remember that professors and faculty are extraordinarily passionate about their fields, and nearly everyone loves to talk about what they are passionate about. Communal outreach to faculty in other areas of the world is an excellent tool, though not always particularly reliable. If you’re lucky, you may be able to select an advisor that is currently researching a topic in a related field or theme. This creates an interested advisor, which is perhaps the single best tool that a student writing a thesis can hope for.
Gather More Advanced Research
Once the initial articles have been skimmed and a list of potential sources has been constructed, being to gather more established research while ensuring that your research question and thesis topic meet your advisor’s guidelines. Oftentimes, advisors will require changes to established topics as the research progresses, and don’t be alarmed; this simply means that the advisor is working as best he can to ensure that your thesis is as good as it possibly could be.
Always Work Towards New Knowledge
Lastly, make sure that the results of your research do, in some way, contribute to expanding the general sphere of knowledge. Simply rehashing established arguments is not of any use in the academic world; instead, Master’s level work must seek to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in some meaningful way. Few, if any, thesis committees will award the honor of a successful defense if the thesis does not offer new knowledge or new methods of analysis. Your advisor will be of great importance here, as he will be more than capable of steering you in the right direction if needed.
