Research skills are essential to becoming an independent learner, and there’s no better time to start developing them than middle school. These skills allow you to navigate information effectively and help you make sense of complex topics. Our blog post today explains what research skills are, why they're important, and a list of 12 specific research skills that you should start building.

What is a “research skill”?

Research skills involve a set of techniques used to identify, evaluate, organize, and communicate information relevant to a specific topic. They include asking the right questions, collecting relevant data, analyzing it critically, and presenting findings logically. Whether you're working on a school project, writing a report, or conducting a science experiment, research skills help you approach problems in a structured way.

Research skills include more than just looking for information. They involve more substantive tasks like critical analysis, the ability to plan intelligently and carefully, organizing your findings, evaluating the credibility of sources, and presenting data in clear, coherent formats. These skills require both mental discipline and curiosity, as you need to dig deeper into topics and verify the accuracy of what you find.

Why are these skills important in middle school?

Research skills equip middle school students with the ability to find answers independently. They enhance problem-solving and decision-making by teaching you how to gather reliable information and form well-supported conclusions. In today’s digital world, these skills are also vital to help you navigate the flood of online information, distinguishing between credible sources and unreliable ones.

How can a middle school student develop research skills?

To develop strong research skills, the best way is to start with your own small, manageable project. Use your school library or online databases like Google Scholar to access reliable sources. As you progress, experiment with different types of research methods, such as conducting surveys, analyzing existing data, or performing experiments. 

Teachers and librarians can guide you through the basics, but independent practice is key. You could register with organizations like Lumiere Education that can guide you through a research project with a mentor from a top-tier institution and enhance your learning. 

Regardless of how you choose to approach research projects, here is a list of 12 skills that you should try to pursue and master:

1. Critical thinking

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information before forming a conclusion. It helps you look beyond the surface and question the validity of what you're reading or hearing. When conducting research, critical thinking allows you to assess the credibility of sources, spot logical inconsistencies, and avoid blindly accepting information.

For example, if you're reading an article for a school project, you should ask questions like: "Who wrote this? Why did they write it? Is there any bias in this source?" You can practice critical thinking by reading articles from different viewpoints and comparing their arguments. Resources like Khan Academy’s critical thinking lessons offer excellent guidance for building this skill.

2. Scientific writing

Scientific writing is not just for scientists; it’s an essential research skill for any subject. It involves the ability to clearly and accurately present your findings using a structured format that includes an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and, importantly, an appendix of your sources. Writing scientifically helps you communicate complex information in an organized way, making your research easier to understand.

To improve, start by practicing writing short lab reports or summaries of your research findings, focusing on clarity and precision. Proper citation of sources is also crucial in scientific writing. You can find resources like Purdue OWL that offer guidelines on how to structure and format research papers properly.

3. Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking helps you break down complex problems into smaller parts—it’s about identifying patterns, understanding cause and effect, and drawing logical conclusions based on the information you have. Whether you're comparing historical events, analyzing literature, or solving math problems, analytical thinking is essential for making sense of the data.

You can practice analytical thinking by engaging in activities that require logical reasoning, such as solving puzzles or analyzing case studies. Another way is by participating in various competitions and challenges, as nearly all of them require analytical thinking in some form to succeed. A quicker, simpler approach is to try resources like Education.com’s logic games to strengthen this skill.

4. Data collection

Data collection is the systematic process of gathering information to answer research questions. This could involve surveys, experiments, or reviewing existing literature. Accurate data collection is crucial for drawing valid conclusions, so it's important to understand how to collect information effectively and ethically.

As a middle schooler, starting with small projects like surveys or simple experiments is a great way to build this skill. For example, if you’re researching the impact of screen time on sleep, you could collect data by asking classmates about their habits. Science Buddies, for example, provides detailed information on various data collection methods and can help you design your own projects.

5. Source evaluation

Source evaluation is the process of determining the reliability and credibility of the materials you use for research. With so much information available online, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using inaccurate or biased sources. Learning how to verify the credibility of your sources ensures that your research is based on solid evidence.

To develop this skill, always consider who the author is, their qualifications, and whether the publication is peer-reviewed or from a reputable outlet. Websites like FactCheck.org can help you evaluate the accuracy of information, while Google Scholar provides access to academic sources.

6. Time management

Time management is the ability to plan and control how much time you spend on specific tasks. Research projects often involve multiple steps, from gathering information to writing reports. Managing your time effectively ensures that you meet deadlines and complete all tasks thoroughly.

A good strategy is to break your research into smaller, manageable sections. For example, dedicate specific time slots for gathering sources, writing, and reviewing your work. Tools like Trello can help you keep track of tasks and stay organized so you don’t fall behind.

7. Note-taking

Effective note-taking helps you record key information from your research, ensuring that you don’t forget important details. Good notes are organized and concise, making it easier to reference key points later on. This skill also improves your ability to synthesize information, connecting ideas across different sources.

Middle school students can experiment with different note-taking methods, such as outlining or mind mapping, to find what works best for you. Digital tools like Evernote or MindMup are useful for organizing your notes, allowing you to tag and search through them efficiently.

8. Information synthesis

Information synthesis is the ability to combine data and ideas from different sources into a coherent whole. Instead of simply copying information from various sources, synthesis involves connecting the dots and creating a narrative that ties everything together. This skill is especially important when writing research papers or preparing presentations.

To practice synthesis, work on summarizing key points from multiple articles and think about how they relate to one another. Try to find common themes and contradictions. Summarizing tools and techniques can help you practice pulling together ideas in a concise manner.

9. Collaboration

Many research projects involve working with others, so collaboration is a vital skill. This requires clear communication, division of tasks, and combining individual efforts into a unified final project. You also need to be open to feedback and willing to adjust your approach based on the input of others.

You can improve collaboration by engaging in group projects or study groups where everyone contributes equally. Using collaborative tools like Google Docs allows everyone to work together in real time, making it easier to track contributions and make adjustments.

10. Digital literacy

Digital literacy involves knowing how to find, evaluate, and use online resources effectively. In today’s information-rich world, being able to navigate the internet safely and smartly is a crucial research skill. This includes understanding how to use search engines, recognizing trustworthy websites, and being aware of online privacy and ethics. You can enhance your digital literacy by exploring educational websites, online databases, and other reliable sources of information. Resources like Common Sense Education provide lessons on navigating the internet responsibly and safely.

11. Presentation skills

Once you've gathered and analyzed your information, you need to be able to communicate your findings effectively. Presentation skills involve organizing your research in a clear, engaging format, whether through written reports, visual aids like slideshows, or oral presentations.

To improve presentation skills, practice organizing your findings into clear sections and consider how best to convey your message to your audience. Visual aids like graphs, charts, and images can help clarify complex points. Canva offers templates and tools that can help make your presentations more visually appealing and structured.

12. Curiosity and Inquiry

Curiosity is at the heart of all research and is a skill you can train yourself in. It involves asking thoughtful questions and having a drive to explore topics in-depth. Curiosity drives you to dig deeper into your subjects, encouraging you to seek out new information and ask follow-up questions.

To nurture your curiosity, practice brainstorming questions before you start researching a new topic. Engaging in activities like reading widely on different subjects or exploring interactive educational platforms like Khan Academy can help fuel your curiosity. There are also several techniques to structure your curiosity, like the Five Why technique.

Whether you're working on a school project or simply exploring new interests, these skills will help you in school and also prepare you for future academic and professional challenges. Take advantage of the resources available to you, and start building these essential research skills today!

One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.