5 Steps to Researching Your Dissertation

Assuming that you have thought about your research project, it’s probably time for you to start researching your Media Dissertation. There are a few things that are important to do to make sure your assignment is the best it can be.

Before you move on to researching, you need to check that you’re ready to progress. Make sure that you are confident that you have the ability to get through the necessary steps and complete your Media Dissertation project, and also that you know enough background information. Make sure you are feeling motivated, or take a few nights out until you are feeling more ready to work.

Then, read through somebody else’s research proposal. Look at how the proposal was organised, what headings were used, if the proposal seems clear, if it suggests the writer knows the subject area well, and if you can model your proposal like that. If you can’t find proposals, then ask your advisor to help you find some, and have a read through. This should give you a better idea of what your proposal should look like, and what you will want it to look like.

Next, make sure your Media Dissertation proposal has a comprehensive and up to date list of the literature included. It is a lot easier to produce this now, rather than wait until the end; and if you learn from people who preceded you, you’ll be a lot better informed. Photocopy any relevant articles and sections, so you have the original source, and keep your photocopies organised.

Focus your research on a specific area. If your area is too broad, you will not be able to do the project and the research will take far too long. When you complete your research, it is vital that you have something specific and definitive to say. If you have not done enough research, you won’t be able to reach a conclusion. Often, researchers find out that what they had thought was an initially a good project is actually a group of projects. It is okay to narrow this down and leave some projects for later in your career. By doing this, your project will gain more marks for being specific and conclusive.

Now make the important decisions. Make a set of questions that will guide your research. When you are selecting these questions, remember that they must establish a link between your research and the other research that has preceded yours. Your questions should also clearly show the connection of your relationship to your field of study. Don’t get carried away and make your questions too narrow, they should be broad, relational questions. Make sure your research will be of benefit to those who will participate in the research. They have the right to understand what you are doing and you have a responsibility to share the findings with them for their reaction. Where you will conduct the research is also important. Consider where you will get the most results, and the least distractions. A lot of students choose to go home, but then find themselves distracted by other obligations when they get there. Make your decision carefully.

Lastly, choose your methodology wisely. Don’t be too quick in dismissing ideas because you don’t like maths. Consider every different type available and really consider what will be the best for your project.

Now, collect the data, conduct your analyses and write the Media Dissertation!