This past Monday evening I visited my aunt's house to discuss researching the history of health care in Maya Guatemala. She happens to be a professor at BYU Provo teaching a course called Research Methods. She gave me a few great pointers to remember while researching. The first was to start by asking the head of the Social Sciences department at the Harold B. Lee Library for more information on this specific topic. This was great advice, because he will know where to find more, and he may lead me to other resources such as the internet.
Second, she told me to narrow my topic down. This is important because when one is researching they must begin with an argument (hypothesis), and then they should find research that supports that thesis. For example, my argument would be that as time has progressed from the 1950's to the present, health care was more widely distributed and had increased quality care in Maya Guatemala. If one finds evidence wholly contrary to the hypothesis, then one should state that.
Third, we concluded I must branch out and search in medical journals, the internet, those with practical medical experience, and additional sources in order to cover my bases.
I am so grateful for her generosity and hope all of you learned something to use when researching your topic of interest. Thanks.
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I appreciate what your have written about research. It is always pleasant to learn more about important subjects. Keep up the good work!
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