Some students mistakenly believe that they cannot start a research project without a clear topic or thesis in mind. Actually, the opposite is true. Students who are struggling to form specific and focused ideas can and should engage in exploratory research before committing to a topic. Exploration is not only a good way to refine a potential topic, but it also reveals how modern scholars think about historical topics and how the research on a topic has evolved over the years of its study. Exploratory research can help you figure out if your project is viable and original and whether you will be able to find enough material to support and enhance your argument. (Bombaro, 2012, p.1)
- Bombaro, C. (2012). Finding history research methods and resources for students and scholars. Lanham: Scarecrow Press.
Copyright © Bond University
