MA Research Project

MA Research Project

1. PPS + Q (1 pg)

   • 1.1 Problem Statement
     • All research centered around a problem. 1-2 sentences stating problem (rationale). The problem here is.....  Problem must be stated as a problem and not as a topic. Forms part of Introduction
   • 1.2 Knowledge Gap
     • 1-2 sentences Gap in the Literature i.e. what is the gap that research is going to fill. Explain the academic gap (the academic rationale) Becomes Lit review
   • 1.3 Context
     • 1-2 sentences Time; place; people Becomes part of Introduction
   • 1.4 Conceptual Framework
     • Broad theoretical framework - the big picture that frames everything in the research. 1-2 sentences NB for PhD Becomes part of Literature review
   • 1.5 Evidence/Logic
     • Because you're making an argument you need to provide evidence. Evidence comes from 2 sources - primary resources and secondary sources (published journals etc.) Logic is important ito the particular order of these 5 steps. 
   • 2.Purpose Statement
     • 1-2 (3) sentences The purpose of this research is to...(choice of word here implies methodology e.g. 'explore' implies Qual open-ended methodology). Choose carefully because this is intended to close the knowledge gap highlighted previously.  Purpose statement is stating broad goal of research. Becomes part of Methodology
   • 3. Questions
     • Unpack the problem (answers problem) Provide scope i.e. size of project - M.A generally 3 ?'s and PhD 5 ?'s. Be careful of 'plum pie' ?'s (conclusions) instead of related questions.  Becomes part "Data" of Findings chapter.

2. Chapter 1

   • Swales and Feak (2004) - 'moves' Move 1: Establishing a research territory -by showing that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, etc. -by introducing and reviewing items of previous research in the area (obligatory) Move 2: Establishing a niche -by indicating a gap in the previous research or by extending previous knowledge in some way Move 3: Occupying the niche -by outlining purpose or stating the nature of the present research -by listing research questions or hypotheses -by announcing principal findings -by stating the value of previous research   
   • 1.1 Introduction
     • Plot/outline proposal
   • 1.2 Research Background