The investigatory process
The overall process that you will be going through is common to most forms of academic research, whether a short essay or a doctoral thesis. In all cases, you should begin the process by defining clearly your aim (the issue). You should then draw together all the relevant expert knowledge available in general (concepts / theories / past research) and specific information about the issue in particular (evidence). By bringing the concepts to bear on the specific evidence (i.e. by analysing and evaluating accepted practice or existing knowledge against your problem or issue) you should be able to form a reasonably well informed – even expert – opinion about the issue. You will then have to communicate your investigation to the teaching team in writing and possibly recommend actions to deal with the issue, if appropriate (you will do this through your paper).
The investigatory process consists of a number of consecutive steps, as follows:
1. ISSUE
Problem or opportunity (Hypothesis)
2. CONCEPTS
Expert knowledge & theory including past experience, models from related areas of study, comparisons, ideals
3. EVIDENCE
Observation, description & analysis
of the actual issue and/or situation leading to the issue
4. EVALUATION & ANALYSIS
of evidence against concepts – ‘The implications’
5. CONCLUSIONS
Opinion based upon your evaluation and analysis
6. YOUR PAPER
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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