Previous Research Statement

This statement should describe your previous research background in such a way that convinces the committee that you have the experience and skills necessary to carry out the research that you have proposed to do in graduate school on the fellowship money.

To put it succinctly, they need to see that you have training in the field you propose to enter and the ability to get through the hurdles that you will no doubt come across when you pursue your graduate research program.

You should identify one or two of the most significant research experiences you have, and discuss them in detail. What questions did you investigate? What methodology did you use? What parts of the research did you do individually? What part in groups? What experience do you have analyzing data? What conclusions did you draw? What specialized equipment, archives, analytical skills or tools, or other resources did you employ to complete this research?

Then, if space remains, you should consider summarizing the other research projects you have participated in, especially if they represent the range of your research skills.

Remember, if you do not have formal research experience in the field you propose, them define research broadly to include investigations you have done for classes, community service project, or jobs, and describe the skills you drew from these experiences that you will apply to your graduate program.

They want to see that you can do it, and you can, so convince them! Engage in self-promotion!