1) Begin with a Broad Overview

When I delve into a new area, the first step is to familiarize myself with the landscape. What fundamental concepts should I grasp? Who are the key figures in the field? What terminology do insiders use?

I use the term “jargon” to describe the specialized language that allows professionals within a field—be it agriculture, anime, quantum physics, or hospitality—to communicate efficiently. A significant part of immersing myself in a new subject involves mastering this vocabulary, so I can comprehend deeper materials and engage with experts effectively.

I kick off my research by reading a variety of accessible articles from newspapers, magazines, or layperson-oriented white papers. This initial exploration helps me understand the major themes, terminology, debates, and influential personalities within the field. Surprisingly, resources like Wikipedia can be quite helpful for this purpose.

2) Dive Deeper with Academic and Industry Sources

Once I have a general understanding, I transition to more specialized material. Now that I’m familiar with basic terms, I can tackle complex scholarly work without getting lost.

I often seek out academic papers through platforms like Semantic Scholar or Google Scholar, as well as white papers in industry journals or reputable think tanks. Assessing the credibility of these sources can be challenging, but I employ “lateral reading,” researching how others perceive a source rather than taking its self-description at face value.

At this stage, my prior overview enables me to engage with more technical writings without feeling overwhelmed.

3) Take Extensive Notes

In-depth research isn’t truly retained unless documented. I often blog about this practice: while researching, I continuously clip relevant excerpts from articles or journals, compiling them into my research collection. Every time I extract a piece of information, I also summarize it in my own words.

This method slows me down considerably, but it's essential for comprehension. By forcing myself to articulate the information in my own words, I transform mere data into genuine knowledge—concepts that stick with me. Moreover, having these concise summaries makes reviewing my research much more manageable.

While it demands effort and time, it’s undeniably worthwhile.

(If you find this information helpful, I’ve compiled a series of “writing hacks” that you might enjoy.)

4) Identify Experts and Authorities

As I read, I take note of experts and authorities I come across—whether they are prominent figures in the industry, cultural icons, or significant researchers. Interestingly, expertise doesn’t always correlate with formal credentials. For instance, if I were investigating the economics of tipping, I might find that some of the most insightful voices come from individuals who earn tips themselves.

As a reporter, I maintain a list of these individuals, as they may become valuable interview subjects. Even if your research doesn’t require interviews, tracking influential figures can help you gauge your understanding of the subject.

5) Explore Every Lead

This advice might seem vague, but some of my most intriguing research findings emerge from unexpected directions.

For instance, while reading a scientific paper, I might stumble upon a mention of a historical study that sparks my interest. I follow that thread and often uncover captivating information that broadens my understanding.

I’ve learned to embrace digressions during my research. I examine footnotes in papers, follow up on intriguing references, and engage in conversations that lead to new discoveries. Many times, this approach has led me to pivotal insights.

6) Persist Relentlessly

Above all, in-depth research demands persistence.

There’s no shortcut. I don’t possess any secret techniques for swiftly mastering a new subject. Instead, I’ve found that relentless perseverance is the key.

Conducting thorough research is a lengthy endeavor. I often spend days acclimating myself to the essential concepts and jargon before diving deeper into the material, which can take weeks, months, or even years for extensive projects. It’s a continuous cycle of reading, discussing, and refining understanding.

Research often comes in bursts. I might spend considerable time sifting through information without finding the crucial anecdotes or data points, only to have several significant insights come together in one afternoon. Understanding also develops in fits and starts; I may struggle to grasp key concepts for days before suddenly achieving clarity.

I wish I could streamline this process, but after years of experience, I understand that it requires dedication and time.

7) Aim for “Saturation”

How do you know when your research is complete? How do you determine if you have enough knowledge to write or present on a topic?

I rely on the psychological concept of “saturation.” This occurs when you stop encountering new information. You read something and think, “I’m already familiar with this.” You might recognize a major expert’s work because you’ve already read it or even interviewed them.

Reaching saturation suggests you're ready to write or present your findings.

In summary, that’s how I approach research! Starting from a place of limited knowledge, I work towards achieving a comprehensive understanding. It’s not a straightforward journey, but it is guided by principles.

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I contribute to publications like the New York Times Magazine, Wired, and Smithsonian. Additionally, I’m the author of Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World and Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing our Minds for the Better. Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @pomeranian99, or on Mastodon @[email protected].