Research Methodology Workshop- Department of English, MKBU
On 10th January 2024 , the Department of English , Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University conducted a workshop on Research Methodology for PG students and those who cleared the PET exam. The aim was to enlighten students about research fundamentals, potential study areas, topic selection, and Ph.D. proposal preparation. Dilip Barad sir, Head of the Department of English, MKBU, during the workshop, elucidated the essential basics required for any research, whether it be a master's dissertation or a Ph.D. thesis.
As part of the workshop, Sir shared his blog, attached here, which incorporates three worksheets focusing on pre-research development. Click Here
The first worksheet involves "Deciding on a Research Topic," the second on "Turning a Topic into an Argument," and the third on "Preparing a Research Proposal." When contemplating study areas, it is crucial to examine existing research, key studies, various approaches, key issues, and potential gaps in the chosen topic.
The standard format for both dissertations and Ph.D. theses typically comprises five chapters:
- Introduction,
- Literature Review,
- A minimum of two chapters dedicated to core analysis and arguments,
- Conclusion,
and a Bibliography presented in MLA format citation. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the specific requirements for chapter formats may vary based on the individual guidelines and expectations of the Ph.D. program.
Furthermore, the literature review stands out as the most crucial chapter, serving as the pillars upon which our arguments are constructed. Click here to read sir's blog on it.
In the realm of research, there exist two fundamental types of sources: Primary and Secondary. Primary sources form the foundation upon which our findings are built, while secondary sources support and bolster our arguments. The literature review plays a central role in incorporating both types of sources, making it an indispensable element of the research process.
Emphasizing the significance of using quality research articles, it was highlighted that the number of citations a particular article receives can be a determinant of its reliability as a secondary source. Care should also be taken to utilize seminal works and articles within the specific area of study to avoid potential flaws in the findings.
In the past, gauging the popularity or influence of a certain article was challenging. However, technology has provided various avenues to address this issue. Numerous online platforms, such as Citation Greco, OpenAlex, SemanticScholar, Sherpa Romeo, OutoService, and Zetero, now streamline the process of assessing the impact and citation frequency of articles. These platforms effectively reduce unnecessary work and academic labor, facilitating a more efficient and informed approach to literature review and source selection.
Additionally, the workshop highlighted the significance of formulating a hypothesis for quantitative research or research questions for qualitative research. Click here to read more about it(Sir's blog)
In the context of quantitative research, a hypothesis becomes necessary, while qualitative research relies on the formulation of research questions. The essential aspect is to raise questions related to the research topic and endeavor to address them. This process is crucial as it provides a clear aim for why a particular research endeavor is necessary.
This workshop was livestreamed on YouTube, providing an opportunity for those who couldn't attend in person at the department to participate virtually. This virtual option enhanced accessibility and engagement, enabling participants to connect with the workshop content from different locations.
The workshop served as a pivotal step for me and my classmates in the process of selecting and delving into the topics for our dissertations. For Ph.D. students, it provided valuable insights for refining and developing their Ph.D. proposals. The experience was truly enriching, fostering a focused approach to our research areas and aiding in the decision-making process for our research topics. A heartfelt thank you to Sir for conducting this insightful and beneficial workshop.
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