Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation by 
Succeeding with your masters dissertation : a step-by-step handbook by
This essential handbook carefully guides the student through the entire dissertation process from start to finish, offering clear, straightforward and practical advice. Biggam uses clear illustrations of what students should do- or not do - to reach their full potential, helping them to succeed with their dissertation and avoid common pitfalls along the way. Thoroughly updated, this popular book takes the student from research proposal, through literature reviews, research methods, and writing up, referencing and avoiding plagiarism, through to submission and marking, featuring: New chapter on 'Introducing the Master's Dissertation' focusing on the skills you need to succeed; New material on Contextual Review for computer science, art and performance art students; Updated material on the benefits of using university library databases and social media in research; Expanded advice on the emotional journey and where to find assistance and support; New Research Methods chapter for art, drama and computer science students. This is key reading for any social science, business, humanities or healthcare student required to complete a dissertation as part of their studies. It will also prove useful for undergraduate students considering postgraduate studies and for supervisors facilitating dissertation supervision
Doing Research in the Real World, 3rd ed. by 
Doing Your Master's Dissertation by
Lecturers, request your electronic inspection copy here′From finding a research topic through to the final write up, this clear guide takes the mystery out of graduate-level research. This book will help your project succeed′ -James V. Spickard, Professor of Sociology, University of Redlands, US Just starting your Master′s? Worried about your dissertation? This book is an indispensible guide to writing a successful Master′s dissertation. The book begins by addressing issues you′ll face in the early stages of writing a dissertation, such as deciding on what to research, planning your project and searching for literature online. It then guides you through different aspects of carrying out your research and writing up, helping you to: write a research proposal choose one or more methods write the introduction and conclusion discuss the literature analyse your findings edit and reference formulate research questions build your argument. The book offers guidance that other books often miss, from dealing with emotional blocks, to ways of identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and improving your writing. It addresses the social aspects of the writing process, such as choosing and working with an advisor, using social media and forming student work groups for added help and inspiration. Each chapter ends with an action plan, which is a resource section that features exercises and reflection questions designed to help you apply what you′ve read to your own work. SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, quizzes and videos on study success!
Dissertations and Project Reports by
Faced with your dissertation or major project and need some help getting started? Thinking about how your final project will affect your overall grades? Tapping into her tried and tested formula for learning, this guide takes you step-by-step through the key stages of planning, developing, researching and writing up your dissertation or project report. Whether you are an undergraduate or a postgraduate, this guide: Offers comprehensive coverage of the major components essential to producing strong dissertations and project reports ; Gives unique emphasis to the importance of project management skills ; Gets you involved through interactive activities, checklists and engaging student examples. Most importantly, it offers the support you need at every stage and will help ensure that the creation of your academic masterpiece is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Practical Research and Evaluation by 
Doing a Literature Review, 2nd edn by
The ultimate guide to the "what," "how," and "why" of literature reviewing, the Second Edition of the classic text shows how the literature review will unlock the full potential of one's research with: A thorough exploration of the literature review process from start to finish Two brand new chapters explaining the different types of review and evidence and evaluation Extended examples that show you how to apply key techniques and procedures A new "core skills" framework to help you turn your research experience into employability A critical thinking focus that will help you construct convincing arguments and improve your research decisions In combining a critical, philosophical approach with an expertly selected body of practical examples, the Second Edition of Chris Hart's landmark text provides both the intellectual understanding and the technical skills required to produce sophisticated, robust literature reviews of the very highest standard. SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!
Doing Your Masters Dissertation by 
Research and Evaluation for Busy Practitioners by
The book's content is capably brought to life by examples from research projects, mainly from the author's own experience. . . . it gets a thumbs up for its contribution in helping promote the quality of social research messages.
Writing up Qualitative Research, 3rd edn by
Writing Up Qualitative Research, Third Edition offers time-tested suggestions on every aspect of the process from beginning to end. In this new edition, author Harry Wolcott continues to focus on the ôwriting sideö of qualitative research, while incorporating new features such as guidelines on how and where to use theory. Key FeaturesOffers practical suggestions for preparing an article or book for publicationUses lively examples from the authorÆs more than 40 years of experienceOffers suggestions on how to proceed with the mechanics of preparing a manuscript Includes pointers on how to improve or jump-start the writing processFeatures a most robust and accessible pedagogy This text is ideal as a supplementary text in any upper-level undergraduate or graduate seminar on the research process.Praise for the Third Edition: ôWriting up Qualitative Research has CHIME û compassion, humor, intelligence, mindfulness of humanity, and empirical evidence. WolcottÆs empathic compassion is a major strength. The content of every chapter shows that Wolcott has fel and grappled with all the same anxieties and fears of writers at every level.ö ?Sonja Peterson-Lewis, Temple UniversityôHis style is good, down to earth, and easy to understand for both undergraduate and graduate.ö ?Joseph Wronka, Springfield CollegeôThe Wolcott text is much more reader-friendly and writer-friendly. It offer remarkable support for the writing process, compared to traditional texts.ö ?Judy K. C. Bentley, SUNY at CortlandôThe conversational style makes the book inviting and accessible. It is comprehensive, addressing the various aspects of writing ranging from setting up to where to write to get published. It teaches and motivates with being didactic or arrogant.ö?Pat Maslin-Ostrowski, Florida Atlantic University
Turning Ideas into Research by
How do you turn a really good idea into a really good question, and how do you turn this into successful research? Barbara Fawcett and Rosalie Pockett use their expertise as supervisors and researchers to provide you with the frameworks and the theoretical and practical guidance you need to design, carry out and communicate your research effectively. Using a range of examples that relate research to the real world, they demonstrate: how to develop research questions how to select appropriate theoretical frameworks how to integrate theoretical perspectives with empirical research how to gather and interpret data how to ensure that the research undertaken makes a difference. The authors' user-friendly approach emphasizes the importance of participation, collaboration and inclusivity, and examines worldviews and understandings of knowledge in order to enable greater critical reflection. Chapters provide guidance on achieving impact with your research, and feature reflective questions to enhance your engagement with the issues covered. This text is the ideal companion as you set about transforming your ideas into robust research.
Conducting Research Literature Reviews, 5th edn by
Providing readers with an accessible, in-depth look at how to synthesize research literature, Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper is perfect for students, researchers, marketers, planners, and policymakers who design and manage public and private agencies, conduct research studies, and prepare strategic plans and grant proposals. Bestselling author Arlene Fink shows readers how to explain the need for and significance of research, as well as how to explain a study's findings. Offering a step-by-step approach to conducting literature reviews, the Fifth Edition features new research, examples, and references from the social, behavioral, and health sciences, expanded coverage of qualitative research, updated and revised meta-analysis procedures, a brand new glossary of key terms, double the number of exercises, and additional examples of how to write reviews.
The Essential Guide to Using the Web for Research by
This book will be vital reading for anyone doing research, since using the web to find high quality information is a key research skill. It introduces beginners and experts alike to the most effective techniques for searching the web, assessing and organising information and using it in a range of scenarios from undergraduate essays and projects to PhD research. Nigel Ford shows how using the web poses opportunities and challenges that impact on student research at every level, and he explains the skills needed to navigate the web and use it effectively to produce high quality work. Ford connects online skills to the research process. He helps readers to understand research questions and how to answer them by constructing arguments and presenting evidence in ways that will enhance their impact and credibility. The book includes clear and helpful coverage of beginner and advanced search tools and techniques, as well as the processes of: @!critically evaluating online information @!creating and presenting evidence-based arguments @!organizing, storing and sharing information @!referencing, copyright and plagiarism. As well as providing all the basic techniques students need to find high quality information on the web, this book will help readers use this information effectively in their own research. Nigel Ford is Professor in the University of Sheffield′s Information School.
Research, Evaluation and Audit by
This handbook provides library and information professionals with the information they need to undertake research projects in the workplace in order to inform their own practice and improve service delivery. Whether you are a complete novice or have experience of undertaking evaluations, audits or research, this book will guide you step-by-step through the key phases of planning, doing and disseminating research. The text is divided into three sections: - Part 1: Getting started introduces the concepts, ethics and planning stages. - Part 2: Doing research, evaluation and audit explores the fundamentals of projects, including the literature review, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis and research tools. - Part 3: Impact of research, evaluation and audit guides you through writing up your project, putting the results of your project findings into practice and dissemination to the wider community. Written by academics and practitioners from a diverse range of sectors throughout the world, the book offers a thorough but common sense approach. Each chapter is structured to begin with a comprehensive introduction to a discrete topic area complemented with case studies drawn from a broad range of LIS contexts to illustrate the issues raised and provide transferable lessons to your own context. Whatever your experience, this book will support your project development and explain how evidence-based library and information practice is relevant to you. Readership: This is the essential handbook for any librarian or information professional who wants to undertake research in the workplace in order to inform their own practice and the wider evidence base for library and information science. It's also a useful guide for undergraduate and postgraduate LIS students undertaking their final year research project.
The Literature Review, 2nd edn by 
How to Do Your Research Project, 3rd edn by
How to Do Your Research Project continues to lead the way as an essential guide for anyone undertaking a research project in the applied social sciences. The new Third Edition of this best-selling title now includes further advice on concluding, writing, and presenting research, using social media and digital methods, and understanding how to effectively work with supervisors. Setting out a clear and detailed road map, author Gary Thomas guides the reader through the different stages of a research project, explaining key steps, and processes at each level in refreshingly jargon-free terms. Readers will learn: How to choose your research question Project management and study skills Effective literature reviews Methodology, theory, and research design frames Ethics and access Data collection tools Effective data analysis Discussing findings, concluding, and writing up Available with Perusall--an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more.
'Chapter 8', in The Postgraduate Research Handbook, 2nd edn, pp. 86-95 by
Introduction; PART ONE: FIRST STAGE; Starting Research; Starting Your Own Postgraduate Research; Choosing the Right Research Degree; Choosing Your Supervisor; Writing a Research Proposal; PART TWO: SECOND STAGE; Getting Going: Supervisors, Methods and Time; Managing Your Supervisor; Managing the Balancing Act; Managing Your Time and Tasks; Your Learning As a Research Student; Research Questions and Methods; Carrying Out a Literature Review; Choosing Appropriate Research Methodologies and Methods; PART THREE: THIRD STAGE; More Detailed Research Methods: Maintaining Momentum; Designing and Using Questionnaires; Action Research and Phenomenography; Qualitative Research Methods: Interviews, Focus Groups and Observation; Using Grounded Theory, Case Studies, Journals and Synectics; Research Methods for the Arts and Humanities; Being Organised: Planning to Undertake Your Research; PART FOUR: FOURTH STAGE; Support, Progress and Analysis; Developing a Supportive Research Culture Locally and at a Distance; Problem-based Research and Problem Solving; Analysing Data and Thinking About Findings; Writing Transfer Documents and Progress Reports for MPhil and PhD Thesis; PART FIVE: FINAL FIFTH STAGE; Writing Up: The Viva, Presentations and Afterwards; Writing Up: Definitions and Qualities of a Good MA, MPhil and PhD Thesis; Preparing Your Thesis; Preparing for and Undertaking Your Viva; Presentations, Conferences and Publishing; Life After the Research; Index.
Developing Research Questions by
Undertaking a research project is a crucial, but often overwhelming aspect of any social sciences degree, and selecting a research question can be one of the toughest parts of the process. What makes an appropriate topic for research? How do you transform an idea into a 'researchable' question? And, once you've got a question, where do you go from there? Developing Research Questions steers readers through the complex process of starting a research project. The book explains how to break down initial ideas from broad topics into appropriate research questions, and gives detailed guidance on how to refine questions as the research project develops. Each chapter is packed with handy hints, tips and examples that show how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in the research process. Linking hypotheses and questions with research design and methods at every step, this texttakes readers from the start through to the final stage of answering their questions and drawing conclusions. This is a no-fuss, practical guide to forming your own research question. It is an indispensable resource for social scientists carrying out research projects at all levels.
