CoP: Organising Your Research Project

Quantitative v Qualitative

Quantitative
- statistical data
- surveys/questionnaires

Qualitative
- ideas / philosophy / theory

Planning the Project
- write down all questions that you want to investigate
- consider each on their merits and focus on two (primary and secondary)
- write an a4 'first thoughts' sheet for each
- what is the purpose of the study? is your question researchable? (why are you interested in it)
- decide on a working title

Project Outline
- consider timing
- 12 weeks
- consider holidays / work / life
- think about working title and different component parts that need researching
- allocate timings to each
- draw up a project outline based on the above
- allow generous time for initial reading and writing up
- factor in tutorials
- consult with supervisor

Literature search
key material on the topic - key arguments

journals - www.jstor.org

table your research - the piece of research, key concepts, comments, applications and questions

Referencing
- start compiling a bibliography
- reference as you go along
- include all details

Questionnaires
- begin to word questions and discuss with supervisor
- avoid ambiguity, imprecision or assumption
- avoid double, leading, presuming or offensive questions
- question type?
- think about format / appearance
- always pilot it
- decide on a sample size
- specify a return deadline
- record responses as soon as completed

Interviews
- word questions and discuss with supervisor
- structured or unstructured?
- how will you analyse questions
- watch for bias
- plan the interview / prepare the room
- introduce yourself
- tape record the interview (permission required)
- agree the accuracy of notes with interviewee

Observation
- decide what you need to know
- participant / non - participant observation
- request to observe
- prepare and plan
- devise a suitable grid, checklist or chart

Critical diaries / reflective log
- be clear about purpose
- be disciplined

Checklist
- don't procrastinate
- plan research methods carefully
- select the appropriate methods
- complete an ethics self assessment
- literature review
- document all stages of process carefully
- produce a detailed project outline, with timings and stick to it
- make most of supervisor