The Research Process | Introductory Paragraph | Thesis Statement | Main Body | Conclusion | Bibliography | Appendices | Library Resources | Research Resources | Library Self-Study Booklets
The Research Process
Do get lots of background information on the subject but take care not to overburden yourself with too much data collection. Be very selective. Keep asking yourself the vital questions: ‘So what?’ ‘Is this absolutely necessary?’ ‘Is this in the right place?’ In fact, all these questions are also relevant when you are writing the actual prose.
Equally important are the connections you draw between fact and your opinion; the depth of discussion and analysis; the quality and credibility of your conclusion(s)—NOT the amount of data you present. Do NOT rely on the internet, especially such web-sources as Wikipedia. You may wish to consult them for your own interest and starting point, but do not bring such (already easily accessible, non-scholarly) material to your reader.
Generally, write the introduction and conclusion after having written the main body and upon the completion of the research. The main body is far more important and needs to be given your full attention. The introduction may constrain what you subsequently want to write; once you begin the more detailed drafting, you might find that it takes off in a different direction. However, sometimes drafting an introduction earlier in the research process can help you clarify your thinking about the research direction, if you are feeling that you have lost direction.
Introductory Paragraph
The introduction to a research paper will usually:
- set the scene and/or provide a context
- grab the reader’s attention and interest
- set out the aims of the assignment
- explain how you are going to answer the question and/or indicate the position you will be taking in answering the main research question(s)
- give a brief answer to the question [via your ‘thesis statement’] before the fuller explanations in the assignment itself
- lead the reader into the main body of the assignment
It may not do all of these things. But a fuller introduction could also include the following:
- identification of the research topic and how you plan to define it; what you do not aim to include; indicating the scope of the assignment,
- a brief definition of important terms or concepts for purposes of clarity,
- highlights of the important debates that lie behind the question.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement, which appears in essays as well as dissertations, is a sentence that sums up your topic, giving an overview of your main point(s) and argument. A thesis statement is your signpost to the entire content and shape of your argument. You are expected to narrow your topic into a single view or theory that you will explore and explain.
For instance, perhaps you are writing on the topic of acousmatic music. The subject is too broad. What is specifically interesting about acousmatic music? Narrow your interest into a statement like this: ‘Acousmatic music of the 1990s, as displayed/exemplified by [composer] x, or [school] y, or [composition] z, has led to [theories/developments/techniques of] a and b’. This thesis statement is much more specific and detailed than the topic title. It provides an opening for evidence. With solid research and several examples you then proceed to support this statement.
The Main Body of the Assignment
You making your argument in the main body of the essay. This is where you outline your point of view while demonstrating awareness of other perspectives or interpretations. To be convincing, you need to show your reasoning as to why you favour a particular perspective. Always provide supporting evidence.
Here are some question to ask yourself as you development the body:
- Is my argument logical and worth making — is there a case?
- Have I made the argument as clearly as I can?
- Have I been side-tracked by issues that are irrelevant?
- Have I explained what lies behind my argument in sufficient detail — not too much, not too little?
- Do my points follow on from each other and strengthen my argument?
- Have I provided evidence for what I say and each claim or statement?
The paragraphs in your body:
- act as major organisers,
- individually offer something distinctive, in terms of analysis, argument, ideas or examples,
- may contain a new subtopic,
- often start with a statement and then expand on or explain it, and
- include any related evidence, information or quotations.
Conclusion
Your conclusion generally should not include anything new. It should emphasise the key elements of your argument. Especially in Dissertations and Final Projects (in year three), you can also use the conclusion as a place to suggest possible areas for further investigation.
Bibliography
Your bibliography must appear after the main body of the essay and prior to any appendices. Do start your bibliography on a new page. Of course, the bibliography must meet the bibliography requirements.
Appendix/Appendices
If you wish to include supplementary material at the back of an essay, thesis or report with supporting evidence for your research/assignment, appendices go after the bibliography. Appendices: plural; Appendix: singular. Each appendix is a separate item and goes on a separate page. They are lettered, not numbered: Appendix A, Appendix B and so on.
Accessing Library/Online Resources and Databases
The Library
Every student is expected to visit Kimberlin Library and work with the hard copy sources there as the starting point. Please do not bypass its catalogue (also available online, off-campus) and do go directly to the shelves for a first look at your topic(s).
The search engine on the library’s homepage is an excellent place to search for sources. It will find not only books/media in the library’s holdings, but also journal articles and other resources that the library is subscribed to electronically.
Research Databases
The library subscribes to many research databases. One way to access them is to go to the library’s list of databases and browse or search for a particular database (follow the Database A-Z link from the library homepage).
Also, the librarians maintain subject guides — including one for music technology — that will list useful databases for that subject (follow the Subject Guides link from the library homepage).
Here are a few particularly useful resources:
- The International Index to Music Periodicals Full Text (IIMP) is an excellent way to search periodicals (magazines, newspapers, etc.). In many cases, it will give you immediate access to the full text of the article. If you access this off campus, you will need to indicate that you are at De Montfort University. Then you will be able to login using your DMU credentials.
- Similarly, the International Index to Performing Arts (IIPA) indexes journals covering film, theatre, dance, stagecraft, television, and more. Coverage goes back to 1864.
- Archival Sound Recordings is one of the world’s largest sound archives, offers a ground-breaking online digital resource of sound recordings. To access this, go to the library’s index of databases and search for it.
Do not limit yourself to the list above; there are many other databases and libraries, including Art Fulltext and Art Abstracts, Cambridge Journals Digital Archive (CJDA), and so on. A librarian can also help you find resources appropriate for your research.
Sources on Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation
Allison, B. (1997) The Student’s Guide to Preparing Dissertations and Theses, London: Kegan Paul.
Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. 4th edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press. [Shelf mark in Kimberlin Library: 370.72/BEL]
Denscombe, M. (2003) The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press. [Shelf mark in Kimberlin Library: 300.72/DEN]
Kane, E. and O’Reilly De Brun, M. (2001) Doing Your Own Research. London: Marion Boyers. [Shelf mark in Kimberlin Library: 300.72/KAN]
Moore, N. (2000) How To Do Research. 3rd edn. London: Library Association. [Shelf mark in Kimberlin Library: 001.42/MOO]
Sharpe, J. A. and Howard, K. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project. 3rd edn. Aldershot: Gower. [Shelf mark in Kimberlin Library: 001.42/SHA]
Walliman, N. (2005) Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide for Success. London: Sage.