How to Complete a Successful Research Project

Jonathan Weyers and Kathleen McMillan both work at the University of Dundee. Both have been teaching and lecturing for over 25 years and latterly have specialised in the transferable skills area. They have a track record of collaborative writing and achievement in this area.

• Introduction 1 Taking on a research investigation – how to approach the challenges of project work 2 Choosing a research topic – how to decide on a theme for your investigation 3 Framing a research question – how to set targets and formulate hypotheses to test 4 Writing a project proposal – how to structure a formal research plan 5 Planning and managing time – how to organise your investigation and submit on time 6 Working successfully with a supervisor – how to make the most of your relationship 7 Finding relevant source material – how to develop your information literacy skills 8 Assessing content in the literature – how to evaluate published information in your field 9 Interpreting published data – how to understand graphs, tables and basic statistics 10 Note-making from research sources – how to record information for use in your investigation 11 Organising your research materials – how to collect and file information and details of references 12 Using quantitative research methods – how to obtain and analyse numerical information 13 Using qualitative research methods – how to obtain and analyse descriptive information 14 Conducting experiments and field studies – how to design and perform lab and field investigations 15 Designing and carrying out surveys and interviews – how to obtain relevant information from research participants 16 Thinking in research contexts – how to apply method to produce valid, original ideas for your investigation 17 Arriving at a position and supporting it – how to sift fact and opinion and express your conclusions 18 Following guidelines on ethics and safety – how to observe good research practice in your investigation 19 Analysing data – how to manipulate and interpret your results with simple, effective techniques 20 Presenting data – how to display information, graphs and tables to academic standard 21 Planning the writing phase – how to organise your work effectively to produce the best-quality product on time 22 Writing up in the approved format – how to report on your research using standard structure and content 23 Writing up in the appropriate style – how to use academic language and well-organised discourse to express your ideas and findings 24 Citing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism – how to refer appropriately to the work and ideas of others 25 Reviewing, editing and proofreading – how to enhance the quality of your write-up 26 Acting on feedback – how to interpret and learn from what your supervisor writes on your drafts 27 Presenting your project for assessment – how to submit your work appropriately List of references