Getting to grips with your dissertation

What is involved? What is an individual study or dissertation? a structured piece of writing (usually 8,000 words +) on a topic chosen by you (in consultation with your supervisor) it identifies a key question it raises important, interesting and relevant issues and questions it displays clear, reasoned and sustained argument and evidence at some levels, an original contribution to research

Which Route? (1) Empirical research – a practical research project (2) A literature based study

The Process Plan Research Write

General Structure: An Example Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Literature review/Theory Chapters 3/4/5: Methodology/ Findings/Discussion Chapter 6*: Conclusion References Appendix (if relevant) *Numbers of chapters will vary according to your project

Preparing your individual study will further enhance your skills What skills will it enable you to demonstrate? The ability to: work independently, plan, organise and manage time identify a relevant research topic and define a research question make judgements and be selective think critically: evaluate reliability and validity of the information and data synthesise material communicate findings present a clear, coherent discussion express ideas by creating a reasoned argument relate issues to your subject area

What’s your topic? Motivation/enthusiasm Is the topic wide enough/too wide? Is it an interesting area of debate? What has already been written on this topic? Strategy – how will you undertake this research? Practical issues (feasibility, time, resources) Ethical issues (depending on topic)

Planning What do you want to explore? clarify your interest formulate questions what do you want to find out? what is your objective? how will you do this? How can you find answers to your questions? survey available sources decide on your methodology/approach empirical/literature based? discuss your approach with your supervisor any possible problems, limitations or constraints? ethical considerations

Identifying Sources Primary sources – Contemporary documents letters, diaries, personal journals, speeches, manuscripts, interviews newspaper or magazine articles photographs, literary works, films, plays, recordings data and statistics

Secondary sources Interpret primary sources: books academic journals may include radio or television documentaries popular periodicals

An overview: the research process Identify appropriate research methods Consider how you will gain access to or collect data Manage data (coding/transcribing) Analyse data Develop discussion Write-up results

Empirical/Practical Research (1) Research design or methodology Will vary according to subject area/choice Select appropriate methods/styles of research The method/s you choose should evolve out of your question Justify your choice: why would your chosen approach/style/s be appropriate rather than others?

Collecting Data: Questionnaires, Interviews and Focus Groups How will you collect data? Sample (size, representative, manageability) Approach Collecting data: designing questions Consider: data required, nature of questions, interpretation and bias, collating material

Literature based dissertation (2) Explores a topic in depth through a study of current literature Is a critical review of work in the field Presents an original way of understanding an issue or topic by using literature

Relevance of sources Identify material and resources which can help you to explore and answer your question Be selective Consider what helps to clarify issues, answers your question, adds to current debates in your area of interest? Initially read through the research and consider: how does this source help you explore the topic what does it contribute to current areas of discussion? in what ways does the material differ from and is similar to other material?

Activity: Creating a working title Consider your assessment of the literature What would you like to say about your topic? Try writing up to ten words which sum up your ideas on the topic Try using this technique with your chosen subject.

Managing your research Planning is vital Be aware of time Be realistic: how much time do you have? What can you achieve in your time frame? Create a realistic task calendar from now until your completion date Allow time to write, for delays Use our dissertation time manager, in conjunction with the weekly time planner to organise your study time

Managing your research get started as soon as possible develop a system (e.g. notebook, card index, PC) maintain precise records of all material consulted organise your records/keep all material in one place back-up files look at other dissertations try to get writing as soon as possible check referencing Keep going!

Writing up: Putting your dissertation together A General Format (check with your department) Abstract Acknowledgements Contents List of abbreviations List of maps/plates/charts/tables Introduction Chapters Conclusion Reference list Appendices

Introduction (General) Identifies the purpose of your study sets out the aims of the study/research question places your topic in context provides justification for this study: why is this issue/topic worth exploring? How does it add to current research? Overview: indicates what you will investigate and how you plan to investigate it shows how the discussion will be developed in the forthcoming chapters

Begin with wide context Introduction Begin with wide context The discussion begins to narrow as the focus of your issue is explored The introduction should be finalised once the main body has been completed

As you write… Remember that it is important to try to engage with your reader. Try to imagine any questions your reader might ask: What does this mean? What is the evidence for this? How do these ideas link?

Chapters: The Literature Review A literature review should usually follow on from the Introduction (though this may vary). What is the purpose of the literature review?

Exploring the literature The literature review provides an opportunity to gather and explore published material on your topic. It is an up to date assessment of the range and breadth of research on your particular topic. The literature review presents an overview of significant literature on your topic highlights key themes, points of discussion and debate demonstrates that you know the field justifies the research project underpins your research identifies need for further research in a particular area places your research within the appropriate academic context

Your literature review should… be analytical: don’t just report what has been written and who said what identify the strengths, weaknesses and significance of research in your field assess the contribution of this research

Chapters: Methodology Discussion of the methods you used to collect data. This section should allow someone to replicate your study. What did you do? Justification for your methodology why did you do it? is it appropriate? strengths/weaknesses of your approach discussion of any ethical issues

A literature based study: Reviewing the material A critical appraisal of the evidence Explores the validity, reliability and accuracy of your sources. Areas to focus on: Date/setting Audience – implications Perspectives/approach/justification? Research methods: look for different approaches to research on your topic

Chapters: Discussion of your findings What are the implications of your findings? How do they support your hypothesis? What conclusions do they suggest? It may be helpful to think of your discussion as presenting a ‘case’. Back up your ‘case’ with clear reasoning and strong evidence Show how the evidence helps to support your case Show how your work fits into the context of other work

Discussion A synthesis of evidence discussed Draws your ideas together What themes/issues have you identified? Think about how your re/search approach may have impacted upon your results/conclusions Summarise your argument Show how your evidence relates/how does it fit together Similarities/differences Quality of evidence Is there a need for further research?

As you write, remember… it should be a clear, coherent discussion which should hold together answer your question try to be innovative - use the literature to present an original way of understanding the issue or topic it is important to try to engage with your reader. Try to imagine any questions your reader might ask: what does this mean? what is the evidence? how does this develop the discussion?

Conclusion Draws the threads of your discussion together Summarises your argument Relates directly to your question Shows why your argument is preferable to any alternatives (may point out any problems with your argument) May: state the need for further research include recommendations Implications for policy (if relevant)

Tips Manage your time Create a calendar from now until the completion date Keep a task list Don’t leave writing until the last minute Leave plenty of time for a final proof-read Follow guidelines Reference appropriately Keep up to date with references Remember that your question may develop as you progress through your research

Maintaining Motivation Try to keep your long-term goal in mind Review your time management regularly – is it working for you? Are you on target? Try to maintain a balance with other activities Reflect on your progress Seek guidance and feedback as soon as possible