User:Davidlewis

WHAT IS THIS PAGE FOR?

To share questions about SPD MSc 2009-10 (seminars, essays, dissertation etc)
Let's try creating an open space for all of David's tutees to ask questions, give ideas and air problems in relation to the Dissertation, and any other aspect of the SPD MSc...

This will be a place where you can ask questions, test out your ideas, comment on other people's ideas and generally vent your frustration if you need to!

I will check the pages regularly and comment. Many people find it quite difficult to get started with a topic and research question, and it takes time to digest all the material we have just given you in relation to the Dissertation.

If people wish to, we can also develop this site beyond just the Dissertation, put links to useful resources and other topics, etc. EVERYONE who registers (just follow the very simple instructions) - and I hope all my tutees will do so - will be able to edit and add to the site as they wish ...

OK, let's get started. Here's an example:

Q. What is a 'research question' (RQ) and why is it so important?

A. (David) After selecting your dissertation topic, the RQ is the most important part of your dissertation in terms of getting started, and then guiding your progress throughout researching and writing the dissertation. You can think of it as the 'engine' that drives the dissertation - it determines the type of literature you will review, the type of data you will analyse, the introduction that you write, and the conclusion that you reach. It is the reason you write the dissertation - to find out the answer to this question. The RQ takes you on a journey - that journey is the dissertation! When you start, you should not know the final destination.

OK, over to you guys! --Davidlewis 14:00, March 6, 2010 (UTC)