Preparation determines motivation

Metaphorically speaking

Approaching research means drafting and fine-tuning a travel plan. Since research is much more akin to a journey than arriving at a destination, the whole project revolves around designing an itinerary. The more complete, clearer, and plausible your plan as a pilot, the more motivated your air traffic control (supervisor), and the more confident your passengers (external contacts like interviewees).

Consequently, showing that you have already developed a good understanding of where, why, and how you want to travel is recommended before reaching out to your supervisor. This does not mean you have to have every detail nailed down before you seek your supervisor’s initial evaluation. Simply prepare an extended abstract of your current idea of the journey.

Research also means stating what you would like to achieve. Do not look too intensely towards your supervisor to tell you what you should do, should want as a return, or ought to consider a good experience. Develop an idea and capture it on paper, then discuss with your supervisor.

(This is a preview section. The full chapter on this topic continues with the sections “Rough coordinates”, “Train of thought”, “In essence”, “To reflect”, “Two travellers’ tales”, “Devil’s advocate”, and “How to tackle”.)