Type author names here Social Research Methods Chapter 4: Planning a research project and formulating questions Alan Bryman Slides authored by Tom Owens

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition What is expected of you? Most social science degrees require a written dissertation Find out what your own institution requires –word limit –format / presentation –abstract –referencing system –deadline Page 80

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Using your supervisor Your supervisor is allocated to you or chosen by you because of their own fields of research interest, so they can probably help you to identify useful research areas. Almost certainly they will be well versed in the research process and so can help you at every stage. Follow their suggestions – they are given in your best interests. Page 81

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Managing time and resources Work out a timetable - start and finish dates for every stage of research Find out about the resources available – if any – for travel expenses, stationery, photocopying, postage costs, recording and transcription equipment Is software available, such as SPSS or Nvivo? Page 82-85

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Identifying research questions Start thinking about your research early on. Totally open-ended research is risky. Research questions help to focus your literature searches, data collection, analysis and writing. Make sure your research questions have a clear social scientific angle. Page 85

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Sources of research questions (Marx 1997) Intellectual puzzles and contradictions Existing literature Replication Structures and functions Opposition Social problems Personal experience Gaps between official accounts and facts on the ground The counter-intuitive Deviant cases and atypical events New methods / theories New social trends Sponsors and teachers Thinking deeply 4.1 Page 86

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Steps in selecting research questions Figure 4.2, page 80

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition Checklist for a research proposal  What is the topic; what are the objectives?  Why is the topic important?  What are your research questions?  What does the literature say?  How will you collect the data?  Why are these methods appropriate?  What resources will you need?  What is the timetable?  What problems do you foresee?  Are there any ethical problems?  How will you analyse the data?

Bryman: Social Research Methods, 4 th edition A few practical hints Be aware of safety issues Keep a research diary or log book of what you have done and when Keep records of sample recruitment / response rates Allow time for transcription Familiarize yourself with technical equipment and computer software packages Begin coding as soon as you have some data Page 86