Purpose of researching and writing Welcome to your Purpose of researching and writing What do you think is the purpose of researching and writing your dissertation? You will be undertaking and presenting the results of research that is new, and may even be ground-breaking. All of these. You may have identified an issue or a question that you wish to investigate in detail. The dissertation may be used to summarize or present the findings of a research project you have undertaken. None Professor Smallhausen has said that you’ll be undertaking research that could be ground-breaking. You will be told by your supervisor that when you are researching for your dissertation, you need to find ‘the gap’. What is meant by ‘the gap’? Why do you need to find it? Hint Although you haven’t made a formal start on researching or writing for your research project, you will be starting to give it some thought. Can you write about 200 words describing your project? At this stage, use plain English and try to make your description as clear as possible. There is a good reason for using plain English at this early stage: people outside your discipline may be reading your work, so you need to ensure that they can understand it. Hint Let’s move on three years. Give some thought to your completed dissertation. When it’s finished you will have spent a long time researching and writing it – this has been a very big task and you will be very proud of yourself. You are now an expert in your area of study. How will your dissertation demonstrate to anyone who reads it that you are an authority in your field? You are explaining new ideas that will advance the knowledge in your particular field. The argument you present will be compelling, logical and clearly set out. Your dissertation will include many references from reputable sources, and will demonstrate your understanding of these sources and your ability to connect with them. The dissertation will be interesting and engaging. None Time's up
