Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Pick a question you can answer
1 week
Choose a research question small enough to answer with the time, tools and data you actually have. A narrow question you can finish beats a big one you can't.
Proof required
Submit your question, why it matters, and what data or experiment could answer it (150+ words).
What gets checked
- Question can be answered with data you can get
- Says what you will measure
- Not already fully answered in one search
Common mistakes
- A question too big to finish
- An opinion question with no data
- A question already answered
Powstik Guide
One answerable research question.
Steps
- List 3 questions you care about.
- For each, write what you would measure.
- Drop any you cannot measure.
- Search to check it is not already answered.
- Pick one and write why it matters.
Template
Question: What I will measure: Data or experiment: Why it matters:
What gets sent back
- No measurable variable.
- A yes/no opinion question.
- No reason given.
Resources
Foundationstart here
What a verifier looks for
- Checked by the verifiers you invite to your panel (up to 3). Pick people who can judge the work, not friends.
- Ask what data answers it
- Check it is narrow enough
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Review what is already known
2–3 weeks
Find and read at least 8 real sources on your question. Write a short review of what they found and the gap your study fills.
Proof required
Submit a literature review (600+ words) citing 8+ sources, with a reference list made in a citation manager.
What gets checked
- 8+ real, findable sources
- Summarises findings, not just topics
- Names a clear gap
Common mistakes
- Made-up or unfindable citations
- Only websites, no studies
- A list of summaries with no gap
Powstik Guide
A short review that ends in a gap.
Steps
- Search Google Scholar with 3 keyword sets.
- Save sources in Zotero.
- Note each source's finding.
- Group findings by theme.
- Write the gap your study fills.
Template
Theme 1: findings… Theme 2: findings… Gap: References (8+):
What gets sent back
- Citations that cannot be found.
- No gap.
- Fewer than 8 sources.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Checked by the verifiers you invite to your panel (up to 3). Pick people who can judge the work, not friends.
- Spot-check 2 citations exist
- Ask what the gap is in one sentence
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Write and defend the plan
1–2 weeks
Write a dated research plan: hypothesis, method, sample, analysis and ethics. If people are involved, get consent and the approval your school requires. Defend it to a reviewer.
Proof required
Submit the dated plan (preregistered or date-stamped), any consent/approval record needed, and the review session log.
What gets checked
- Hypothesis and analysis set before data
- Ethics handled for any human participants
- Reviewer challenges answered
Common mistakes
- Plan written after data
- Surveying people with no consent
- No planned analysis
Powstik Guide
A dated plan you can defend.
Steps
- State the hypothesis.
- Describe method and sample size.
- Name the statistical test.
- Get consent/approval if people are involved.
- Date-stamp the plan and review it with a verifier.
Template
Review session log Date: Duration: Reviewer name: Reviewer role and experience: Challenge 1 (research plan and ethics): What they asked: My answer: Challenge 2: What they asked: My answer: Change I made after the session:
What gets sent back
- Undated plan.
- Human data with no consent.
- No analysis plan.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Checked by the verifiers you invite to your panel (up to 3). Pick people who can judge the work, not friends.
- Check the date is before data collection
- Ask how bias is controlled
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.