The session continued with the development of research design strategies and methods. The focus was on how to create a structure that can either develop a hypothesis or answer the research question. This was useful because it showed that the thesis proposal needs to be more than an idea; it needs a clear plan for how the research will be organised, supported and developed.
A key part of the session was understanding research design. Research design is the way a researcher organises a project, including how information will be collected, analysed and used to answer the research problem. The resource explains that research design acts as an outline and guide for the whole research project, helping to organise the different components and make sure the research addresses the main problem.
We also looked again at the structure of the thesis and proposal. The thesis needs a clear research question or hypothesis, introduction, literature review, methodology, themed chapters, conclusion, reference list and bibliography. The proposal also needs to include a research title or question, keywords searched, draft introduction, draft literature review, research methods outline, chapter outline, draft chapter and references. This helped me understand how each section connects to the others.
Another important concept from this session was the “golden thread”. This means that the research question, objectives, literature review, methodology and final argument should all connect clearly. The resources explained that when reading and writing, it is important to keep asking why a source is relevant to the question and what it contributes to the argument. For my own thesis, this means I need to make sure every source I use supports my main question about animation, media narratives and civilian experience.
We also looked at research objectives. Research objectives are the outcomes the research aims to achieve, and they help guide the research process, including data collection, analysis and conclusions. The resource explains that objectives should narrow the focus of the research and break the main aim into smaller achievable steps.
The session also reminded me to be critical when reading sources. Instead of collecting too many articles, I need to focus on sources that directly help answer my research question. I should also make notes in my own words to avoid unintentional plagiarism and evaluate how each source supports or challenges my argument.