Post on 25-Jun-2015
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DissertationProposalNathan Scrimshaw
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In today’s workshop
Having an idea
Developing an idea
Developing a questionStructuring your proposal
The write-up process
In today’s workshop
Having anideaPlaces to look
Having anidea
Previous assignments
Intended specialism
Favourite game/creator
Library
...Or click here
Developing an ideaWhich comes first?
CaseStudy
Theory
Observation
Primary Research Reading
Secondary Research
Developing an idea
TheoryCaseStudy
Developing an ideaExpanding an idea
Use Google Scholar to see how other authors have used your sources / case study
Use mind-mapping to reveal more connections (linear notes DON’T work!)
Can you broaden the case study?
Alternate between analysing the case study and revisiting the theory
Where is the problem?
Are you glossing over anything that needs more detail?
Developing an idea
Keywording
Developing an ideaTechniques
Clustering & Mindmapping
Cubing
Invisible writing
Developing an idea
Freewriting & Looping
Post-it notesAssumption Busting
Developing a question
CaseStudy
+ Theory
Direction/Limitation+ =Question/
Thesis
Can you see this formula in Dissertation titlesfrom previous years?
Developing a question
Click here for link to Dartmouth
Proposal structure
+ Bibliography
1000 words
Proposed question
Main area of research
Discussion of theories
Methodology
Proposalstructure
1000
Proposal structure
+ Bibliography
>300
>300>300
DiscussionOf theories
MethodologyMain area of research
Proposalstructure
Proposal structureKeeping your word count down
Are your quotes too long? Use paraphrasing instead
Are you referring to too many sources? Don’t forget your Bibliography is annotated (and excluded from the word count) Are you writing things
that should be in the actual Dissertation instead? Don’t forget this is just a proposal
Are you suggesting too many research areas? One or two questions are enough
Proposalstructure
Try a ‘backwards outline’
Discussing theoriesA survey of theories/findings relating to your project
It identifies prior research on your subject
It describes how each work relates to the other
It puts each work into context of your project
It identifies any gaps in the theory, and any new ways to interpret the subject
LiteratureReview
Discussing theories
Why has the author taken the position they have?
How does the context of the work (era, social, political, etc.) affect it?
What different perspectives might there be?
Can you think of examples that support/challenge what they say?
Tips for challenging authors
LiteratureReview
Click here for link to Dartmouth about logical arguments
MethodologyHow you intend to undertake your research
Explains your choice of case study
Details any parameters you need to set
Explains your choice of theory
Might indicate chapter-structure of dissertation
Might summarize content of each chapter
Methodology
Bibliography
Not included in your word count
Comprehensive – not edited highlights
Can be annotated
Can include the stuff you plan to read as well as the stuff you’ve already read Bibliograp
hy
M
Contact me
Don’t Leave Research To Chance
nscrimshaw@ucreative.ac.uk 01252 89 1485
@nathanscrimshaw
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