Dissertation Support

1
Dissertation Support

• Lecture One
• Introduction

2
Research

• Research is a process through which we attempt
  to achieve systematically and with the support of
  data the answer to a question, the resolution of
  a problem, or a greater understanding of a
  phenomenon.
• Leedy, 19975 (added emphasis)

3
Research - Key Characteristics

• Originates with a question/problem
• Requires clear articulation of a goal
• Rigorous
• Systematic (specific plan or procedure)
• Valid and verifiable
• Empirical
• Critical

4
Purposes of Research

• Exploration
• to find out what is happening
• to seek new insights
• to ask questions
• to assess phenomena in a new light
• (eg, pilot/feasibility study)
• Is usually, but not necessarily, qualitative.

5
Purposes of Research

• Descriptive
• to portray an accurate profile of persons,
  situations or events
• May be a forerunner to exploratory research.
• May be qualitative and/or quantitative.
• Explanatory
• to seek an explanation of a situation or problem
  (why?) usually in the form of causal
  relationships.
• May be qualitative and/or quantitative.

6
The Research Sequence

• Identify broad area
• Select topic
• Decide approach
• Formulate plan
• Collect information (data)
• Analyse data
• Present findings (dissertation)
• Gill and Johnson, 19973

7
Research Method/Strategy

• Case study
• Survey
• Experiment
• Action research

8
What Now?

• To get started, it is important to read,
  reviewing the previous, related literature
• It may also be useful to talk to people -
  appropriate individuals and/or groups
• Develop research proposal
• Make initial contact with supervisor

9
Initial Questions

• Why are we carrying out research?
• What area are we investigating? Why?
• What particular aspect are we investigating?
• What information do we need?
• From where/whom will we collect data?
• How are we going to collect data?
• How are we going to analyze data?
• What are we going to do with results?

10
Research Proposal

• Title
• Aims and objectives/research questions
• Importance/value of research
• Significant prior research/Literature review
• Research methodology
• Time scale