Research SkillsResearch SkillsAIH 2020

Dr Janette Martin & Dr Pat Hill13 Feb 2012

Introduction Introduction

Schedule for dayWrite any questions on post it notes and

stick on board –if not answered today will do so on Unilearn

3 folders on Unilearn - Annotated Bibliography, Proposal, Historiography.

Please also check handbook or Unilearn for assignment details and assessment dates.

Today’s PowerPoints will go up on Unilearn

Task I: Task I:

How do you analyse a book/article?

Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents.

Each citation is followed by a brief (100- 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph (i.e. the annotation)

The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the quality of the sources cited and the relevance of that source to your research topic.

3 parts: Summary, Evaluation, Reflection

Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies

Summary What is it about?

The author’s purpose, aim or questionmain argument, central idea, findings or conclusions

What sort of text is it? General? Specific?

Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies

Evaluation

What do I think about it?Who is it written for?Particular strengths from your point of view?Any weaknesses or limitations?

Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies

Reflection

How might I use it?Has the text helped you understanding something better?

Annotated bibliography Task 1Annotated bibliography Task 1

Read page two

What works, what doesn’t?

Task 2: your sourcesTask 2: your sources

Annotate two sources on your research topic following the model given above (Summary, Evaluation and Reflection)

Refer also to the Teaching American History guidelines in handout

Your research proposalYour research proposal

Your research proposal should be referenced like any other piece of academic work

The proposal (1000 words) and the annotated bibliography (1000 words) is worth 50 % of your mark for this module

For subject specific advice speak to your tutor. For practical advice refer to the documents in Unilearn (module information) or speak to Janette or Pat

Your proposals and annotated bibliographies will be marked by your tutor

Submission deadline 22 Feb 2012

Writing a Research ProposalWriting a Research Proposal

A statement of intentNot set in stoneExplore, investigate, analyse

assess, compare …Why is it worthwhile?What contribution will it make?Is it feasible? How will you do it?

Getting StartedGetting Started

My research question is…Debate centres on the issues of…Researcher A argues … whilst B argues that…

My research will use … (primary sources) to explore/argue that …(depending on how much reading you have done and how clear you are)

FeedbackFeedback

What did you find hardest?

Any questions?