A discussion of the essential aspects of the course content and procedures. What is good research?

What makes a good research question? The problem of ‘reinventing the wheel’ in our research.

The major features and applications of this approach. Content analysis in qualitative research.

Why is theory important to successful research? The linkages between theory and the literature review.

Progressing from interest in your topic to a strategy for project completion. Conceptualization and operationalization.

Different kinds of data. Good practice for data collection.

What makes a good case study? Coding.

When should (and shouldn’t) we consider comparative research?

An introduction to perhaps the most flexible of research traditions.

The criteria of a solid research proposal. Suggestions for structuring the proposal.

Each student chosen to present in this week will offer a ten-minute oral research proposal. The research proposal will briefly introduce the research area, define the research question, present the theoretical framework/literature, describe the methods to be employed and summarize the contribution the proposed research will make. PowerPoint is advised, though not so many slides as to make the presentation too long or complex. Each presentation will be followed by questions and feedback.

Each student chosen to present in this week will offer a ten-minute oral research proposal. The research proposal will briefly introduce the research area, define the research question, present the theoretical framework/literature, describe the methods to be employed and summarize the contribution the proposed research will make. PowerPoint is advised, though not so many slides as to make the presentation too long or complex. Each presentation will be followed by questions and feedback.

Students will submit their final course project, the research proposal (see below for basic guide to contents and format).