OUGD601: Context of Practice 3 - Lecture One: Organising Your Research Project

Doing Your Research Project by Judith Bell

371.3 - Library

400 hours of study = 40 credit module

6-9000 word written element, and related practical work

2.5 hours support on the written element of the module, in addition to support with the practical project.

Tutorials - Come prepared with questions, research, things you want to get out of it

DEADLINE: 15th January, 4pm - 15 weeks

Try to have substantial draft submitted by Christmas

Develop a cohesive research project with practical and textual outcomes

In-depth critical research

A coherent written argument and related practical investigation

Analysis and evaluation

The work undertaken will reveal the students appreciation and application of research approaches and methodologies

A logical and systematic to approaching the question

PLANNING THE PROJECT

Write down all the questions that you want to investigate

Consider each on their merits and focus on two (primary and secondary)

Write an A4 'first thoughts' sheet for each

What is the purpose of the study? Is your question researchable?

Working Title

PROJECT OUTLINE

Consider timing

DEADLINE - 15 Weeks

Consider holidays / work / life

Think about your working title and the different component parts that need researching

Allocate timings to each

Draw up a project outline based on the above

Allow generous time for initial reading and writing up

Factor in tutorials

Consult with your supervisor about this

LITERATURE SEARCH

Reading takes more time than you think

How much can you actually read in 100 hrs?

Start by trying to find out all the key texts on your chosen topic

Focus you reading based on an initial assessment of this survey

Find key texts and plan time to read these - at least one or two before you start

Find secondary sources / criticisms of key texts (triangulation)

Use journals (www.jstor.org)

REFERENCING

Start compiling a bibliography at the beginning of the project

Reference as you go along

Include all details (Name, Forename, Date, Place, Publisher, Page)

ETHICS

If a students research involves human subject and/or data not in the public domain then ethical approval must be granted by their supervisor / programme leader

If the researcher is interviewing or observing participants then that counts as 'involving human subjects' 'interviewing' means that you are recording the person's words, by writing, tape or any other means, and using them in your work.

Data not in the public domain means data which are still in copyright

QUESTIONNAIRES

Is a questionnaire the best way of investing your topic?

More marks for primary research

CRITICAL DIARIES / REFLECTIVE BLOGS

Don't Procrastinate

Plan Research methods carefully

Select the most appropriate research methods for the project

Document all stages of the process carefully

Produce a detailed outline, with timings and stick to it

Get the most out of your supervisor