Initial Reflection Meeting

1. Your Topic and Motivation

• What drew you to this topic?

• Why does this area deserve investigation?

• What do you hope to understand more deeply?

• Is this a topic you are willing to stay with for several months?

2. Your Research Question (Early Stage)

• What question are you currently considering?

• Why is it a meaningful or worthwhile question?

• What aspect of the topic do you want to explore in depth?

• Is your question focused enough for a 4,000-word essay?

• What alternative formulations of your question might also work?

3. Subject Fit and Approach

• How does your topic fit within the subject requirements?

• What knowledge, concepts or methods from the subject will you need to use?

• Do you feel confident that you can meet the expectations of this subject?

• Are you choosing the most appropriate subject pathway?

4. Early Research and Feasibility

• What background reading have you done so far, and what has it shown you?

• Do you have access to appropriate sources?

• Are there any gaps in your early reading you need to fill?

• Are you confident the question can be answered with the resources available?

5. Planning Your Investigation

• How do you plan to begin your research?

• What will you focus on first?

• Which methods or approaches might you consider (if relevant to the subject)?

• Are there any ethical or practical constraints you need to think about?

6. Early Reflections

• Has anything in your initial reading already challenged your assumptions?

• Are any new questions starting to emerge as you explore the topic?

• Do you foresee any difficulties in narrowing your investigation?