Every Thanksgiving break I run the same dilemma through my head. I have a few days free...no demands (besides helping my mom prepare the Thanksgivings dinner) and no homework due the Monday I get back. Perfect chance to relax, spend time with my family (who I haven't seen for a few months), see that movie I've been wanting to see, etc. On the other hand, I could take advantage fo the free time by getting ahead. I could start studying for my stats final or continue writing the methods section of my master's thesis (which has been neglected the past month). So, which one to choose? Do a little of both? Easier said than done. I'm sure a lot of you are in the same position as I am. My solution? Don't push yourself to do something you know you're unlikely to do. If you say to yourself- I'm going to finish that paper that's due during final's week, you're probably setting yourself up for failure. It's better to tell yourself you're going to try and work on it here and there, but if you don't get to it, that's okay. There's no use in beating yourself up over the fact that you wanted to go Black Friday shopping instead of doing school work. Bottom line: have fun, it isn't called "break" for nothing! If you need to do work, then do it- just don't plan for more than you know you can accomplish.
It was suggested that I write do series on how to write a research paper. I will add a new step each week. Step 1: Choosing a Topic You cannot begin to write a research paper without a topic. Choosing a topic may seem like a simple task, but it is sometimes a complicated process. As undergraduates, you are typically assigned to write a review of the research in a particular area, such as psychological disorders or genetic diseases. Pick something that interests you! For some, writing papers is a tedious task. Picking an enjoyable topic rather than choosing an easy topic, such as one in which you know a lot of information exists (e.g. a topic the media covers regularly) may make the process more interesting. When you have no idea what topic to choose, talk to your professor/instructor or flip through your book to get an idea. Once you have chosen a general area as your focus (it could be as general as "depression" or "Huntington's disease"), perform a G
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