The document outlines a 10 step methodology for conducting directed research: 1) create a list of the topic, 2) free write about what is known, 3) ask questions and start conversations, 4) embrace trial and error, 5) consult unlikely authorities, 6) examine the context, 7) create experiments, 8) find consistencies and trends, 9) reflect on findings, and 10) share results. It then provides three potential thesis ideas applying this methodology: the relationship between weather-dependent athletes and time management, how art can drive social change, and the effects of physical space on social interaction.

1. Methodology
Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Summer 2013

2. Find a
Topic
External
Research
Unexpected
Research
Conclusions &
Direction
Internal
Research
Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Write a list
Ethnography
Informal conversations
Play a game
Consult unlikely
authoritiesTrial and error
Find trends
Share the results
Start production

3. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
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Create a list.
Free write all you know about a problem.

4. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ask questions.
Be curious.
Start conversations surrounding your topic.
Talk to people who are experts in the field you are researching.

5. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Embrace the messy
process of trial and error.
Let your mind be free and open to failure. Don’t be afraid to start over.

6. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
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Consult unlikely authorities.
Apply lessons learned from unrelated fields.

7. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Look at the context
of the problem.
Examine the societal and circumstantial influence on the problem.
Study everything surrounding the issue and it will give you insight.
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8. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Create an experiment.
Play a game.
By setting up a context for others to express themselves and reveal secrets about a
topic, it creates the opportunity for unexpected results.
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9. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Throw something.
Tap into your primal instincts and your brain’s natural wiring.
You have many facets to your abilities. Explore some ancient instincts.
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10. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Find consistencies
and trends.
Sort the findings and see what fits together.
After assembling all the parts, start creating something.
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11. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Reflect on the findings.
Mull it over.
Stop gathering information and start finding conclusions.
If there are holes in findings, go back to step 2.
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12. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Share the goods.
Make it public and invite feedback.
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13. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Thesis Ideas.

15. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Athletes who depend environmental conditions
and their relationship time management
I am studying athletes who rely on a specific weather condition (surfers who need
waves and powder skiers who need snow) have a different way of looking at the
passage of time and time management skills.
I want to know how weather conditions create a hyper awareness of time in athletes
and how the average person can tap into this.
This will help my reader create excitement and passion in their lives regardless of
their athletic ability of skill.
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17. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Art and Social Change
I want to study the way that art can draw attention to a subject and also
transform the subject socially.
Because the power of a work of art can impact a community in a real way.
This is in contrast of people who are exploited for art’s sake.
Under privileged communities can benefit from having their story told through
art work.
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19. Allen Spector | Directed Research | Tom Klinkowstein
Social interaction and surrounding environment
I am studying the effects of physical space on the emotional environment of a
gathering of people.
I want to know how social situations and social interaction are influenced by the
surrounding environment.
This will help my reader create environments that will nurture the kinds of social
situations they desire. And influence the way events are designed.
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