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Researching - Summary

summarize Quick Reference

Academic Research Projects
Key Learning Points

Essential insights for successful dissertation and thesis completion

info Quick reference guide to navigating extended research projects in UK Higher Education
psychology

Core Concepts

Dissertations vs Essays

Extended independent inquiry spanning months/years, with students formulating their own research questions and conducting primary research

Intellectual Independence

The ability to work autonomously, take responsibility for research decisions, and contribute original thinking to scholarly discourse

Guided Independence

Supervisor-student relationship where supervisors provide guidance and expertise while students maintain responsibility for their research

Methodological Competence

Understanding research approaches, philosophical underpinnings, and ability to justify methodological choices appropriately

Intellectual Rigour

Sophisticated engagement with ideas involving analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and recognition of complexity beyond simple description

Originality

Independent thinking and novel contributions - from applying theories to new contexts (undergraduate) to substantial knowledge contributions (postgraduate)

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Research Process Steps

1

Question Identification

Begin with broad interests and progressively narrow focus through preliminary reading and supervisor discussions

  • Ensure questions are sufficiently narrow yet substantive
  • Make answerable through systematic inquiry
  • Contribute meaningfully to existing knowledge
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2

Literature Review

Systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesise existing scholarly work relevant to research questions

  • Demonstrate field awareness and identify gaps
  • Establish theoretical frameworks
  • Be analytical rather than merely descriptive
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3

Methodology Design

Design research approach and select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis

  • Justify why particular methods suit research questions
  • Address philosophical assumptions and ethical considerations
  • Demonstrate understanding of strengths and limitations
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4

Data Collection

Gather primary research data while maintaining systematic records and research integrity

  • Manage access to participants or materials professionally
  • Remain open to unexpected findings
  • Adapt plans while maintaining research integrity
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5

Analysis & Interpretation

Make sense of collected data through statistical analysis, thematic coding, or theoretical application

  • Move beyond description to interpretation
  • Identify patterns and relationships
  • Connect findings to research questions
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6

Writing & Revision

Construct coherent extended arguments with clarity, precision, and appropriate disciplinary conventions

  • Develop multiple drafts with substantial revision
  • Connect discussion back to literature and research questions
  • Consider limitations and implications
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Disciplinary Approaches

science

Science-Based Research

  • fiber_manual_record Positivist paradigm: reality exists independently
  • fiber_manual_record Hypothesis testing and experimental control
  • fiber_manual_record IMRAD structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion
  • fiber_manual_record Quantitative analysis, replicability emphasis
  • fiber_manual_record Impersonal writing style, passive voice
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Social Science Research

  • fiber_manual_record Interpretivist approaches: social reality is constructed
  • fiber_manual_record Qualitative methods: interviews, ethnography, discourse analysis
  • fiber_manual_record More flexible structural approaches
  • fiber_manual_record Mixed methods increasingly common
  • fiber_manual_record Researcher reflexivity and positionality considered
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Assessment Excellence

Evidencing Quality

  • check_circle Use analytical phrases: "however," "conversely," "this contrasts with"
  • check_circle Explicitly describe search strategies and inclusion/exclusion criteria
  • check_circle Justify methodological choices and acknowledge alternatives
  • check_circle Provide informative section headings and clear signposting
  • check_circle Maintain consistent referencing style throughout

Key Criteria

  • check_circle Intellectual rigour: sophisticated engagement beyond description
  • check_circle Research quality: comprehensive literature and systematic methodology
  • check_circle Methodological competence: understanding philosophical underpinnings
  • check_circle Organisation: logical progression with coherent argument development
  • check_circle Writing quality: clarity, precision, and appropriate academic register
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Supervisor Relationship

psychology_alt

Understand the Role

Supervisors provide guidance and expertise, but responsibility for research ultimately rests with the student. They help develop ideas rather than dictate them.

event_note

Prepare Effectively

Send materials in advance, prepare specific questions, bring agendas, and be honest about difficulties. Concealing problems prevents timely intervention.

feedback

Respond to Feedback

Approach feedback with openness rather than defensiveness. Act upon suggestions through revision, reading, and methodology adjustments. Document how feedback has been addressed.

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Maintain Dialogue

See supervision as ongoing dialogue rather than unidirectional instruction. Casual comments often contain valuable insights. Questions may highlight gaps requiring development.

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Bookmark this summary page for quick reference during your research journey