44241: dissertation introduction to module ian perry room: c49 extension: 7287 e-mail:...
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44241: Dissertation
Introduction to Module
Ian Perry Room: C49
Extension: 7287
E-mail: [email protected]
http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 2
Why do a Dissertation?
The Dissertation module provides: the opportunity for students with a
particular interest in independent study and research methods to engage in a sustained academic study with elements of original work.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 3
Aims & Distinctive Features
Aims The module will result in a piece of
individual and original academic work that reflects a student’s interests set within their broader programme of study.
Distinctive Features Students will be encouraged to analyse
and draw reasoned conclusions from data drawn from multiple sources that refer to a set of research questions that they have devised.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 4
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module you will be able to: plan and construct a self-managed study
programme that works towards definite goals. develop the research skills necessary to
pursue their project. self-manage a research project. obtain and analyse, in an appropriate manner,
relevant qualitative and quantitative material. develop and defend an argument based on
self-directed learning. produce a dissertation to the standard of a
professional research document in terms of content and presentation.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 5
There are 4 Deadlines!
Ass 1 (5%) – Dissertation Proposal Deadline = 25 October 2006
Ass 2 (15%) – Interim Report Deadline = 17 January 2007
Ass 3 (10%) – Oral Presentation Deadline = 05 to 16 March
2007Ass 4 (70%) – Dissertation Document
Deadline = 10 May 2007
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 6
Lectures & Deadlines
2. Introduction to Module
5. Hand-in your Dissertation Proposal (25 Oct 2006)
6. Interim Report?
------- Christmas Break -------
17. Hand in your Interim Report (17 Jan 2007)
19. Oral Presentation?
22. Dissertation Document?
24/25 Make your Oral Presentation (05 to 16 Mar 2007)
------- Easter Break -------
6. Hand in your Dissertation Document (10 May 2007)
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 7
The Dissertation Web-site
All Documents for the Dissertation Module, i.e.: Module Handbook, Assessment Method, Lectures,
etc.
can be found at the following Web-address: http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/
Check the Dissertation Web-site regularly: There may be changes to the Lecture
Programme. Other sessions/advice may be ‘offered’ in order
to help you complete your Dissertation.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 8
What is a Dissertation?
The communication of a focussed piece of investigative
academic work which demonstrates in the
context of existing knowledge both understanding and critical
analytical thinking and which is original.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 9
Getting Started?
Selecting a Topic This is possibly the most important factor
affecting the success of your Dissertation. You need to choose something that will continue to
interest and motivate you when the going gets tough (which it undoubtedly will).
Selecting a Focus Having decided on the topic or ‘subject area’
you want to study you then need to think about the focus; i.e.: What ‘exactly’ are you going to do?
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 10
The Dissertation Proposal?
What the marker will be looking for: a realistic and meaningful research
question(s). a reasonable approach to the research
process. a list/outline of some of the relevant
literature that will be included. a plan of work leading to the
submission of a dissertation.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 11
The Dissertation Proposal?
Contents: Full Name of Student (& Student Number) Title of Dissertation Aim & Objectives Relationship to Previous Work Methodology Plan of Work Resources Required References Form of Presentation Preferred Supervisor
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 12
The Dissertation Proposal?
Full Name of Student (& Student Number) Preferably your own!
Title of Dissertation Try to give a clear indication of what this Dissertation is
about. BUT, don’t get too hung up on the Title, as it will almost certainly
change.
Aim & Objectives A general Introductory Paragraph. The main Research Aim. A statement of 3 to 4 specific Research Objectives that
are ‘hoped’ to be achieved. These should be investigative objectives; and therefore problem-
based, rather than solution-based. Bear in mind the need to analyse rather than merely describe.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 13
The Dissertation Proposal?
Relationship to Previous Work NOT your previous work, but the work of other
authors. This is one of the most important parts of the proposal, as
it should place the intended work into relevant contexts. No investigation starts from scratch.
It is therefore NOT sufficient to say, “there has been little work done in this area before…”
Appropriate contexts might be subject-based: “What has been done in this subject area before?”
or problem-based: “How has this kind of problem been approached in
previous studies?”
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 14
The Dissertation Proposal?
Methodology This section must detail the way in which the aims of
the investigation are to be achieved. Remember that this means not only a description of the
methods to be used, but also a discussion of the logic of those methods.
“Why are you using these methods?” The discussion should include consideration of
alternatives and demonstrate the appropriateness of the approach being proposed.
This section must go beyond merely itemising a data-collection approach.
If basing your research upon a previously used methodology:
“Which methods have been judged to be appropriate in previous work?”
You have to move beyond this previous work in some clearly identified way (therein lies your originality).
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 15
The Dissertation Proposal?
Plan of Work Highlighting the practical way in which the
Dissertation will be carried out. This should detail the means for ensuring that the
objectives are achieved and should, if possible, identify task lists organised into phases or stages with dependencies and time-scales; i.e. an outline project plan in the form of a Gantt Chart.
Whilst it is recognised that this can only be done in general terms, a proposal without a realistic plan of work is unlikely
to receive unconditional approval.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 16
The Dissertation Proposal?
Resources Required The necessary support services should be specified,
e.g.: What library and/or bibliographic facilities will be required? What computer/software facilities will be needed?
This section should refer to other sources of factual material and the kind of access that will be required, e.g.:
to key informants, together with the arrangements for making that possible - it is your responsibility to make these arrangements.
Your own networks, including; family members & friends, Part-time work and personal
interests can all represent valuable resources.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 17
The Dissertation Proposal?
References A reference list of all items referred to in this
proposal should be provided. Only those items actually referred to should be
included. It must be presented using the Harvard
System: See the ‘Study Skills Handbook’, i.e.:
Chapter 8 – Referencing, Bibliography and Plagiarism Appendix A – Referencing and Bibliographies
which is available at: http://www.hull.ac.uk/hubs/05/informationfor/current.ht
m
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 18
The Dissertation Proposal?
Form of Presentation It will be assumed that you will present your Dissertation in a
‘Traditional Format’; see Assignment 4 – Dissertation Document, which can be
found in the Assessment Method section of the Dissertation Web-site.
If there are any deviations from this you must describe them in this section. e.g.:
If you contemplated submitting video-tape of interviews, or working pieces of software as part of your Dissertation, then this should be explained (and justified) in this section.
Preferred Supervisor Students can indicate their preferred choice of Dissertation
Supervisor. Please list 2 or 3 Supervisors you think you can ‘work’ with. The tutor who is actually allocated as your Dissertation Supervisor
will depend upon the subject/topic chosen and the availability of your Preferred Supervisor.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 19
Don’t miss the first Deadline!
You MUST hand-in a Dissertation Proposal; see Assignment 1 – Dissertation Proposal,
which can be found in the Assessment Method section of the Dissertation Web-site. http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/
On (or before?); 25 October 2006
If you fail to submit, then: I will NOT be able to allocate you a Dissertation
Supervisor. and you will throw away some easy marks!
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 20
Don’t miss the next Lecture!
The next Lecture will take place: 1:15pm, Thursday, 02 Nov, in CG6
i.e. in the week after you have handed in your Dissertation Proposal.
This Lecture will introduce the next stage of the Dissertation Process; i.e. the Interim Report
and I will, hopefully, have sorted out who is to be your Dissertation Supervisor by then.
Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 21
What is your E-mail Address?
Please send me an e-mail; [email protected]
from an e-mail account that you check regularly.
Including your; E-mail Address, Full Name & Student ID
So that; I, and your Dissertation Supervisor, have an
easy means of contacting you.