Lecture 1: Orgasing your Research project.

The Project.

For this I learnt that this is a 40 credit module, and should require 400 hours of study. It should also contain a 6-9000 word written element, and related practical work. We will receive 2.5 hours support on the written element of the module, in addition to support with the practical project. We were also advised to use this wisely and plan out questions and have drafts ready for these dates. The Deadline is the 15th of January at 4 pm, which is approximately 15 weeks away. We were also advised to have a 'substantial' draft submitted by
Christmas.

Tips, Questions to ask myself,  and other factors to consider.

Planning the Project.

Write down all questions that you want to investigate about the topic.
Consider each on their merits and focus on two (primary & 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 (I have 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.

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 your reading based on an initial assessment of this survey.
Find key texts and plan time to read these.
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.)

Questionnaires
Is a questionnaire the best way of investigating your topic?
If so, begin to word questions and discuss with your supervisor.
Avoid ambiguity, imprecision or assumption.
Also avoid double, leading, presuming or offensive questions.
Question Type?
Think about format / appearance.
Always pilot your questionnaire.
Decide on sample size.
Specify a return deadline (factor this into your project outline.)
Record responses as soon as complete.

Interviews

Is an interview the best way of investigating your topic.
If so, begin to word questions and discuss with your supervisor.
Structured or unstructured interview?
How will you analyse questions?
Watch for bias.
Plan the interview / prepare the room.
Introduce yourself.
Tape record the interview (permission required.)
Agree the accuracy of notes with interviewee.

Observation

Is observation the best way of investigating.
Decide exactly what you need to know?
Participant / Non-participant observation.
Request permission to observe.
Prepare and plan observation carefully.
Devise a suitable grid, checklist or chart.
Analyse and interpret the data, eliminating.
Thank the people observed.