Research Framing Practise Lecture 2 Notes

Identifying Your Dissertation Focus



Dissertation

• 8000 - 10000
• 1 essay
• one specific main question
• three chapters - roughly 12 paragraphs each
• answer question in a logical order

• Introduction = 800 words
• Chapter 1 = 2150 = 12 paragraphs with a clear title
• Chapter 2 = 2150 = 12 paragraphs with a clear title
• Chapter 3 = 2150 = 12 paragraphs with a clear title
• Conclusion = 800 words

Preparation

• Proforma - identify range of published sources
• identify quotes and illustrations
• analyse theories
• brief discussion of use

• Synopsis - dissertation question and intentions, outline chapters
• need a specific question
• need to carry out extensive and in-depth research to identity a vary specific focus
• can't be thought of
• or can't be a question merely allowing you to document
• or can't be knowing what to say and write on a topic and coming up with question

Focused Question

• narrow topic identified from research in an area of interest
• something you can answer or predict

Path way

• 1. identify broad area
• 2. research areas and specific sub areas
• 3. access notes and identify
• 4. formulate specific question and focus of each chapter

Identify

• themes in studio work
• skim reading key academic texts lined to discipline
• theme gives key word to find specifics

Research

• specific topics and sub topics
• key discussions, issues
• map an area of interest - research each topic individually and make sure enough has been written about it

Identify

• assess specific topics
• which topics have scope
• do any present enquires?
• research futher if needed

Forming a Question

• if answer is known, then not an enquiry
• question words 'is it' or 'are there' are Yes/No questions
• how or in what why - useful words, instantly mean analyse
• why - investigation different reasons/ motivations
• should be clear - research, include/ leave out, focus
• logical order of chapters - discussion progression

• Chapter 1 - past
• Chapter 2 - present
• Chapter 3 - prediction through comparison of 1and 2

Alternative

• title and then subtitle with clear aim
• title stating aim
• subtitle to give specific focus and aim 'in order to' important

Question and Titles

• what can gesture ... question
• Hoovering in High Places - title
• aim and reference - explanation

Chapter

• identify what each needs to focus on in order to answer question
• give each chapter a title to reflect focus