Types of Capstone Research

Research: Background vs. original

The term "research" has at least two different, but related meanings. In the first sense, research means finding books, articles, and online sources that provide background material on a particular topic. All capstone projects should include research in this sense. Discuss with your capstone supervisor the background research requirements of your project.

The second sense of "research" is at once more amorphous and more intellectually interesting than the first. Research, in this case, is a process of intellectual discovery, including methodology, hypotheses, creativity, originality, insight, analysis, and rigor. All honors projects are expected to exhibit these all these traits. Good capstone projects incorporate methodology where appropriate, analysis, and the other features where possible.

There are some excellent resources available in the library and online to help you incorporate both these kinds of research into your project.