Getting Ready to Research

Dr Craig HammondResearch & Scholarship Leader

‛To be a successful writer I know of only two methods;

read a lot and write a lot’Stephen King

Workshop objectives

• Discuss & explore some general aspects of academic writing, research and argument

• Consider a recent high profile ‘issue’ in relation to British Society

• Consider 2 different sources and types of information

• Analyse the strengths and limitations of the types of evidence

Consider the following question:

• “Welfare in contemporary British society has become ‘too expensive’ to support”. Discuss.

– Firstly … what are your own thoughts in relation to this assertion?

The Daily Mail

The Daily Mail

• Pay particular attention to the type of ‘language’ being used here …

• Also, take a look at the comments being left by the readers …

• Do you think that the articles are factually accurate?

• Can you think of any ‘issues’, challenges and limitations, posed by these types of information and arguments?

The Guardian

The Guardian

• What makes The Guardian analysis of ‘benefits and affordability’ different to the Daily Mail?

• What differences in style can you pick out? Which do you think is more useful ‘academically’?

• Research:– Information– Objectivity (‘facts’ as opposed to biased personal

opinion) – Different types of argument & sources

• How might you now consider & answer the question:

“Welfare in contemporary British society has become ‘too expensive’ to support”. Discuss.

• See the following link for further advice ad guidance on academic writing: http://www.readytoresearch.ac.uk/