Are you worried about how to get your research project started and how to keep it on track? Do you wish you had help in gathering your thoughts and developing your ideas? This brilliant book is a great guide for students undertaking their first piece of independent research. Regular critical reflection is an invaluable tool for helping you gain new insights, deal with practical issues as they arise and develop your understanding. This book gets you started in the habit of using a research journal. Offering a systematic but flexible framework, the book enables you to: * reflect at a deeper level about all aspects of your research; * develop your arguments and ideas; * process each part of your research project or dissertation; * consider and confront challenges you may face in your project. Including key definitions, top tips and helpful exercises, the book will be invaluable to any student undertaking independent research across the social sciences.