1. www.rsc.qut.edu.au RESEARCH STUDENTS CENTRE Stage II and Your Literature Review Monday 15 August 2011

2. Research Students Centre Today’s Speakers Professor Tom Cooper Faculty of Education Maths, Science and Technology Education Dr Eliza Matthews Coordinator (Research Training) Research Students Centre Research Students Centre

3. Thank you for coming. Before we begin: –The toilets are located on the left hand side as you head toward the lifts. –If there is a need to evacuate go out through the glass doors across the patio and head up the hill. –Please turn off your mobile.

4. Research Students Centre Candidature Milestones Candidature Milestones The Research Student Life Cycle *Admission and Enrolment Stage 2 *Annual Progress Report *Publications/ outcomes Confirmation Annual Progress Report Final Seminar & Thesis Examination *Journey’s End Cricos Number: 00213J

5. Research Students Centre Stage 2 Stage 2 (3 months full time/6 months part time) – Required for PhD (please review course materials to confirm for Prof Doc/Masters) Prepare Stage 2 Proposal In consultation with your Supervisory Team prepare a Stage 2 Proposal Refer to guidelines and exemplars from your Facultyguidelines Submit Stage 2 Application Submit the proposal and form online Respond to Feedback Notification emails will update you on progress of your application and action required by you. Final Approval Notification from Research Degrees Committee will confirm your application: Approved | Provisionally Approved | Returned | Rejected. Consult with your Supervisory Team on any action required. Cricos Number: 00213J

6. Research Students Centre Overview The Stage 2 milestone is intended to provide you with an opportunity to present a research proposal prepared with the guidance of your supervisory team. The process of creating the proposal provides you with a unique opportunity to demonstrate: –The critiquing and research skills you have developed in the early months of candidature; –The original and significant contribution to knowledge your project will make; and –Your readiness to take increasing responsibility for your project.

7. Research Students Centre Specifically Introduction Program of Research & Investigation Research Problem – research questions/hypotheses/problems Individual Contribution Design of the Proposed Research - plan to address your research within the constraints of a research degree (research methods and analysis). Methodology & Research Plan - discuss any constraints or issues (coursework, ethics, IP, health and safety, collaborative arrangements, resources etc) Timeline Preliminary Literature Review – providing a justification for the need for the research – argument built through the literature review explaining your contribution to new knowledge

8. Research Students Centre QUT requires the submission of the Stage 2 proposal to the Faculty within 3 months of full-time candidature or within 6 months of part- time candidature. The proposal must normally be no more than 3,600 words excluding the appendices and reference list. This length has been set to ensure: –Consistency in student expectations about the submission requirements; –That reviewers are able to read and provide feedback in a timely way (usually no more than 10 working days); and –Student experiences the rigour of writing to a word limit as would be expected in grant or publications writing in the future.

9. Research Students Centre You and your supervisor: Do not avoid your supervisor if things are not going well—this is when you need them most! Make your supervisor aware of problems early and work through them together As the project progresses, the student should gradually take the lead As this happens, the Supervisor’s role should become more one of an advisor and as a ‘sounding board’ for your ideas

10. Research Students Centre Remember: It is Your Project – develop ‘ownership’ of it and use your supervisor to improve the outcomes The final Stage 2 document is not necessarily what you will end up doing for your PhD Projects will evolve with time, with the results you produce and the literature that may be published as you proceed At graduation you will be the expert in your specialist area!!

11. Research Students Centre Independent Research Academic discipline areas may have different expectations of the Stage 2 document define specific requirements with your supervisor Relative familiarity with the project area will vary widely among students at the commencement of the project at an early stage assess your relative familiarity with the project honestly!

12. Research Students Centre One size does not fit all! A single approach to developing the Stage 2 proposal will not suit all students or all supervisors! Before the process begins in earnest, meet and agree on a process with your supervisor This may involve regular meetings, dates for drafts, time needed for feedback etc.

13. Research Students Centre How to do it? extensive background reading consultations between student, supervisors, relevant experts and other postgraduates. Review examples of others work in related areas preparation of the proposal by the student incorporating feed back from the supervisors Common issues: Is the scope and focus appropriate? (risk assessment; limitations) Can you access the resources you require to complete the project? Justifying your original and significant contribution

14. Research Students Centre Examples of Stage Two feedback The Stage 2 application lacked conceptual weight and appeared still to reflect a very preliminary stage of project definition and methodology. The Committee was concerned that in the absence of a clear conceptual framework it was not possible to accept the project as being of a PhD standard. The literature review lacked reference to more recent literature on the topic and did not reflect critical examination relating to a research question. With no evidence of progress toward ethical clearance or identification of potential research sites, the logistics of the project appear yet to be explored. The methodology was lacking in depth, focussing almost exclusively on methods of data collection rather than the more critical issue of how the method would address/respond to the research question.

15. Research Students Centre Research skills learnt from developing a Stage 2 proposal Reading critically and strategically Managing your time effectively Improving your academic writing skills Receiving feedback, reviewing it critically and using it to improve the final product Learning how to collaborate with positive outcomes

16. Research Students Centre How to measure if the Stage 2 process is a success You will develop a clear understanding of the conceptual basis of your project You will understand the significance of the project in the context of your academic field there will be a clear direction to take towards Confirmation of Candidature You will have established a set of ground rules for obtaining supervisor input, as needed

17. Research Students Centre Submission Logistics Online form submission –Check supervisors are correct –Ensure the draft you are to attach is acceptable to your supervisory team –You can monitor progress and see comments online –Review the Screen Shots to confirm requirements and clarifying with supervisor and FRAO (faculty research administration officer) as required.

18. Research Students Centre More information can be found at: Student Gateway: http://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/36217/stage-2- submission-guidelines.pdf http://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/36217/stage-2- submission-guidelines.pdf Research Training Wiki: https://wiki.qut.edu.au/display/rst/ https://wiki.qut.edu.au/display/rst/

19. Research Students Centre Secrets for Success Write early and write often Listen to your Supervisory Team – they are on your side Try to select a topic you can feel passionate about – Candidature is a long journey Maintain a timeline and have a plan for your candidature and your future Use your network of friends and colleagues to celebrate the good and assist with the difficult times – you are not alone Avoid changing supervisor or topic as these actions can hinder progress Try to maintain a work/life balance. Cricos Number: 00213J