The CSHB hosted Dr. Liz Hall during the fall 2025 semester to provide training on being Research Ready and to share her recent research on Lament. This blog presents two central ideas from Hall’s presentation for being “research ready”: (1) the importance of prioritizing research intentionally and (2) utilizing every research opportunity as an opportunity to grow, produce, and publish. Though you can check out the full talk here, read on for a glimpse into these insights!
Prioritizing Research
Hall began by naming the tension most researchers feel: finding time to write often seems impossible. Professors juggle teaching, meetings, and service; students manage coursework, jobs, and personal responsibilities. The duties differ, but the pressure feels strikingly similar.
To be successful in research, it is essential to carve out regular, protected time for research. Create a space free from distractions (and, if necessary, Hall instructed us to lock the door!). Prepare your environment to focus entirely on the task at hand. Set deadlines for yourself, especially for tasks that can be completed “whenever.” Without a deadline, “whenever” turns into “never.” Additionally, consider reaching out to colleagues who can keep you accountable or collaborate with you.
Seizing The Research Opportunity
Ever felt like you have no good research ideas? Social and behavioral research doesn’t have to consist of topics separate from your daily life. Hall advised everyone in attendance to keep a running list of research ideas to explore. Keep this list easily accessible, and when you experience a research block, pull it out and let the questions spark a fresh idea. A good rule of thumb is that if you ever wonder why something happens or begin to explain someone’s behavior, you have the beginnings of a psychological research question.
Another idea is to revisit old research papers or studies. Can any be updated, extended, or applied in new ways? For graduate students, especially, treat every single assignment, special event, or presentation as a research and publication opportunity. Approaching these opportunities with this mindset is bound to increase both effort and motivation.
There is, however, another side to seizing opportunity: learning to face rejection. Dr. Hall highlighted the fact that active researchers will inevitably face pushback or be told “no.” For many researchers, both young and old, the fear of a negative response or rejection by journals can be incredibly daunting. It can be debilitating and may hinder the progress of your research, but it doesn’t have to. Take any criticisms of your work humbly, review and revise as needed, and continue your work. Receiving criticism as a researcher is not a failure, but rather a rich part of the process.
Conclusion
A life consisting of a productive research agenda is possible, even for busy faculty and students. It becomes natural when you intentionally pursue it. Find small, sustainable ways to prioritize your work and push yourself to your research goals. There is no doubt that Dr. Hall’s insights energized and encouraged those in attendance. You can view the entire session, as well as Dr. Hall’s presentation slides, here.
