the session focused on research design and how to develop a clear research problem or question. We also received the briefing for the draft literature review assignment. This session was useful because it helped connect the earlier work on choosing a topic and developing a literature review with the next stage: deciding how the research will actually be structured and approached.
A key part of the session was understanding that research design is the plan behind the research. It helps define what the study is trying to investigate, what methods will be used, and how the research question can be answered. The resources introduced different research approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, arts-based and community-based participatory research. Leavy explains that research design is like building a structure or plan for research, where the chosen approach depends on the topic and purpose of the project.
We also looked at the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research focuses more on meaning, interpretation, process and context. For my own thesis, a qualitative approach seems more relevant because I am not trying to measure data statistically. Instead, I want to analyse ideas, visual examples, films, media language and how animation can communicate difficult subjects such as war, civilian experience and mediated narratives.
The session also helped me think about methodology. A methodology explains the actions taken to investigate a research problem, as well as the reasons for choosing those methods. This is important for my project because I need to explain why I am using certain sources, case studies and visual analysis, and how they help answer my research question.
We were also briefed on the draft literature review assignment. The assignment asks us to produce a research question or problem, a brief research objective, a draft literature review and a bibliography of books and journals we have reviewed.
For my own FMP thesis, i need to refine my research question, explain the objective clearly, and begin building a literature review around the key academic areas that support my topic. These could include media framing, propaganda, distant suffering, animated documentary, memory, trauma, war representation and visual storytelling. The assignment also reminds us to use recognised academic sources, apply Harvard referencing and avoid plagiarism through careful citation and paraphrasing.
Another useful resource from the session was the list of areas to consider when developing a research topic. It explains that topics in arts, entertainment, media and technology can be approached through perspectives such as politics, social justice, ethics, representation, cultural issues, media sectors, experimental practice, screen-based work and virtual reality. This connects well to my project because my research sits between animation, media, politics and representation.
Overall, this session helped me understand that my thesis needs a clear research design, not just an interesting theme. I need to decide what kind of research I am doing, what sources I will use, and how my literature review will support the final thesis proposal. My next step is to focus my research question and start organising sources into themes so that the draft literature review can become a strong foundation for my FMP thesis.