According to Martin Davies, one must always be cognitive of the fact that the finished research project will greatly impact on the quality of degree one obtains. In addition, mention will be made of the research project in reference to the researcher academically, as well as in the pursuit of further employment. Therefore it will be wise to take the advice of the supervisor instead of ignoring him or her to do whatever one chooses. In addition, it is important to give of one’s best which entails concentrating fully on the research project during the allotted time. The research project is also an opportunity for one to demonstrate other skills that one possesses like organizing projects, conducting interviews, collection and analysis of data, the use of software like SPSS and NVivo, and the presentation of results, in the form of a report, to be interpreted analytically.
Furthermore, it is indispensable to recognize time limitations and be realistic about the research project. Whatever one envisages must be feasible especially as it pertains to one’s sample and transcribing of data. Finally, Davies advises against being overambitious but rather suggests having reasonable objectives and a fixed focus. It is not advisable to undertake a lot in a limited space of time. He also goes on to say that researchers should be flexible, inquisitive and open-minded.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog posted on Mon. 5th July and found it to be extremely relevant, but a bit (suspiciously) timely seeing that Dr. James started his controversial Research Seminar on Mon. 19th July. Did a little birdie passed by you?
Your advice is a reflection of the importance Dr. James places on the research process. It is so very important to take this process seriously and dedicate quality time and effort in it, that Dr. James saw it warranted the importation of a lecturer from Canada, in the person of Mr. Crichlow, in our vacation time. Couldn’t we at least show our appreciation by taking a hint and starting early? Wouldn’t it be in the best interest of all to heed your advice?
I like the topic of this blog as a research project because, in my opinion, researchers’ projects are not duly recognized. In the School of Education, if it is not selected amongst the mighty few to be placed in the library as an exemplar work, it is placed in (what I blogged about on 21st July) the “Invisible” Web (Library). I have always found this to be so unfortunate, since all researchers go through the rigours of getting a research project completed and in the end these studies remain somewhere gathering dust. If lecturers took the time to grade all the research projects, because they would not know beforehand which ones will be selected for recommendation, then why not put all out as examples of whatever it’s worth? In this way, researchers work can, at least, be given a fair chance of being read by someone other than the lecturer. Share your thoughts.
Janice,
ReplyDeleteI do hope that you are fine and in the best of health. Thanks for the research tips and information. I will certainly try to use them when I begin my research project. Janice we must make use of our supervisor. I think that the supervisor is the ultimate guide. I do hope that we are all blessed with good supervisors. Good luck in your research!
Thank you for the advice, and as Shelly said I do hope we are all blessed with good supervisors.
ReplyDelete