FAQ

Research and creative discovery is one of the fastest-growing and highest-need areas of many institutions and universities. Conducting a research or creative discovery project can help uncover the effectiveness of products, determine the experiences of individuals and compare results statistically.

Many times, students are not given the opportunity to explore research or creative discovery until they reach the master’s or doctoral level of education. SFA is unique in that undergraduate students have been invited to work with faculty mentors on projects that can increase understanding in the field, as well as teach practical, hands-on skills.

Research is a way to systematically study and investigate topics of interest. At SFA, undergraduate researchers will have faculty mentors to assist them through the process.

First, you have to know what it is you are trying to study, often called research questions. Your faculty mentor can help you come up with good questions in your topic of interest.

Research questions try to answer something that is not yet known or that very few people have tried to research. When you find answers and explanations through your research, you are contributing to your field.

One way to learn what has already been written about your topic of interest is to review literature that has already been published about the same subject. Use the Steen Library to find books and articles that have been published recently. Use the library tools to limit your results to publications from the past 5 to 10 years. Newer or more recent works are generally more accurate.

It’s a good idea to find at least 10 relevant resources, so you have some published authors to cite when you are writing your study.