Dissertation proposal

You will be writing your essay based on you identifying a research topic, presenting, and explaining the research questions, carrying out an appropriate literature review, describing and justifying the proposed methodology / research design and its underlying research philosophy, research methods, discussing research ethics and then discussing insights gained from developing the proposal and the expected outcomes from the research.

You will also discuss their potential significance to research issues that you have explored.

In this assignment you are expected to demonstrate the knowledge that you have gained and skills that you have developed in your engagement with the Research Methods module and your pathway modules.

Use of research and research methods literature is essential.

Introduction (500 words)

A brief description of the focus of your chosen research project, including why you have chosen to work in this area. It sets out the rationale and main purposes of the study by discussing the following dimensions:

  1. Educational: (What is the nature and importance of the educational problem/issue that you planned to investigate?)
  2. Personal professional: (Why is this area of study important/relevant to you?)
  3. Academic: (What is the ‘gap in the literature’ that the study seeks to fill?)
  4. Location (where did the study take place?)

Reflection on associated literature (1500 words)

This is a brief overview which tries to discuss and synthesise some of the main definitions used in the field, identify and summarise some of the common themes and discuss some of the main insights (what claims are made? What do we know already? How has the area been researched before?)

Research design (1500 words)

A description and explanation of your proposed methodology and its underlying philosophical basis, sampling, data collection methods, data analysis and ethical considerations (ethical issues and how you are going to address them). You should write a brief overview of the data collection tools you propose to use and how these relate to your research questions.

Reflections (500 words)

In this final section you should include the following:

  • Summarise the insights you have gained from planning this research project / research design and development you have gone through
  • What are / were the challenges?
  • How would you change your future plans as you head towards your dissertation?
  • What are the challenges that you as a researcher might be facing in carryout out research in the real world and what the expected outcomes are and what they might contribute to our further knowledge and understanding.

References

Use Harvard referencing conventions. The reference section does not count towards the word length of the assignment.

Requirement Analysis

The task at hand involves crafting a dissertation proposal with a stringent word count of 4000 words. This scholarly exercise requires the identification and exploration of a research topic, which includes formulating research questions, conducting a comprehensive literature review, and describing and justifying the chosen methodology and research design. Additionally, the proposal demands a discussion on research ethics, the insights gained during the proposal’s development, and the anticipated outcomes of the research.

The assignment encompasses various dimensions: educational, personal-professional, and academic, demanding a critical and reflective approach to the research problem or issue. The proposal is segmented into four structured sections: Introduction, Reflection on associated literature, Research design, and Reflections, each with specified word counts. This format requires precision and depth, challenging the writer to succinctly yet comprehensively cover each aspect. Notably, the use of research methods literature is mandatory, signifying a strong emphasis on academic rigor and methodological soundness.

Key Knowledge Points

  1. Research Topic Identification: Understanding how to choose a topic that is not only academically relevant but also personally and professionally significant.
  2. Literature Review: Skills in identifying, summarising, and synthesising definitions, themes, and insights from existing literature, including the ability to spot gaps in the research.
  3. Methodological Understanding: Knowledge of various research philosophies, methods, and ethical considerations, and the ability to justify the chosen approach in relation to the research questions.
  4. Reflective Analysis: The capability to reflect on the learning and developmental process during the research planning phase, including an awareness of challenges and potential changes in future plans.

Difficulties and Mistakes

Students often struggle with the conciseness required in a dissertation proposal, especially given the word count limitations. Key challenges include:

  • Balancing Depth and Brevity: Maintaining academic depth while adhering to the word count can lead to either oversimplification or excessive detail.
  • Literature Review Challenges: Difficulty in adequately summarising and critiquing relevant literature, and in identifying the ‘gap’ that the research aims to address.
  • Methodological Justification: Students might struggle to clearly articulate the rationale behind their chosen methodology and its alignment with their research questions.
  • Reflective Insight: Often, students find it challenging to critically reflect on their learning journey, including recognizing and articulating potential challenges in future research phases.

Essay Structure

Introduction (500 words): Start with an engaging opening that introduces the research topic. Briefly state the educational importance, personal-professional relevance, and academic novelty of the study. End with a statement about the study’s location.

Reflection on Associated Literature (1500 words): Begin with a thematic introduction, then move into a synthesis of key definitions, themes, and insights from the literature. Critically evaluate what is known and the research approaches previously taken.

Research Design (1500 words): Outline your proposed methodology, including philosophical underpinnings, sampling techniques, data collection and analysis methods, and ethical considerations. Clearly connect these methods to your research questions.

Reflections (500 words): Summarise insights gained and challenges faced. Discuss potential changes to future plans and anticipated challenges in real-world research.

Writing Tips and Best Practices

  • Crafting a Compelling Introduction: Engage your reader from the outset. Clearly state your research question and its significance.
  • Conducting a Thorough Literature Review: Ensure a balanced review that both summarises and critically evaluates existing research. Look for gaps and opportunities for further research.
  • Developing a Coherent Argument: Each section of your essay should logically flow from the previous one, building towards a comprehensive understanding of your research proposal.
  • Using Evidence Effectively: Back your assertions with appropriate academic references, using the Harvard referencing style.
  • Maintaining Clarity and Precision: Use clear, precise language. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and when used, provide clear definitions.

Remember, the goal is not just to fulfill an academic exercise, but to meaningfully contribute to the field of research, propelled by personal and professional motivations.