What is originality?. Todays session will include… 1. Some definitions of originality 2....

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What is originality?

Today’s session will include…

1. Some definitions of originality

2. Developing originality3. Expression of originality

But first I want to consider…

… why does originality matter?

Criteria for the award of M. Phil.

12.3 The thesis embodying the results of the research shall demonstrate evidence of originality, at least in the exercise of an independent critical faculty, and shall achieve a high standard of competence in argument and presentation.

p.28 Postgraduate Handbook, Lancaster University 2003/2004

Criteria for the award of the degree of Ph.D.

13.3 The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis which makes an original contribution to knowledge and the completed thesis must contain material of a standard appropriate for scholarly publication. (p. 30 Postgraduate Handbook, Lancaster

University 2003/4)

1. Definitions?

One version of originality is…

Something that no-one else has done

This version can be alarming

It is sometimes taken as implying extremely high levels of innovationCan be interpreted as meaning every bit of a thesis has to be entirely innovativeFeels like it means that you have to be a genius who is redefining the field in which you are working

“Something that no-one else has done”

Most importantly, this definition is too general for you as an author to work withit is not specific enough to be implemented or translated into planned action as a researcher

Plus – it is a definition which forgets the context for

originality

Grix (2001) says that a ‘substantial contribution to knowledge’ means “…you must have produced original research on a given topic and embedded it firmly in the ‘received wisdom’ of a particular field…” (p. 108)

Demystifying Postgraduate Research. University of Birmingham Press: Birmingham.

Useful definitions

Are more specificCan be translated into actionDepend on context

Some versions of originality

Fresh dataCritical appraisal of previous workNew research design /and methodology for research

New analysis and new outcomes from existing dataFresh theoretical interpretationsNew analysis and new outcomes from new data

Some more versions of originality

To extend, qualify, elaborate, gainsay existing workNew argumentsNew ideasNew theoretical accounts of existing data

Sophisticated methodsOriginal interpretation of phenomenon/aApplying existing ideas to new area of studyNew facts

Yet more ways of being original…

CreativeNew insightsDistinct individuality – in painting, in sculpture, musical composition or literary output

ImaginativeNew theory arising from new dataCompetent analysis of new data in terms of existing theoryBeing publishable

Development of originality?

ProcessTimeReflection & thoughtCreativityLooking back over workWriting, discussion & practicePlanning – e.g. research designReading

Fostering CreativityWalkingmeditating/yogaTV, music, radiocookingunbooked timedaydreamingreflecting

Fostering creativity

Mind mapsnotepadsdaily writingresearch journalthinking timeconversation - including with your reading

Expression of Originality?

Phillips, E.M. & D.S. Pughon expressing originality

“The spelling out of your contribution is the final element in the PhD form. It is concerned with your evaluation of the importance of your thesis to the development of the discipline. It is here that you underline the significance of your analysis, point out the limitations in your material, suggest what new work is now appropriate, and so on.” (p.55)How to Get a Ph.D. (1987) Open Uni. Press

Dunleavy warns against overstating one’s originality…

And reminds of the need to balance innovation against

the subject context

He suggests thinking of your contribution as ‘value-added’ to the

field of study“Focusing on your own ‘value added’ means keeping a critical eye on the extent to which you have transformed or enhanced or differentiated the starting materials of your analysis. Then tailor your claiming behaviour to fit closely with that. It also means retaining a strong relational patterns of argument in which you appropriately acknowledge the extent to which you draw on the existing literature.” (p. 31)

HomeworkWhere is the originality in your work?Identify and recordWriting and development