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What makes a good Dissertation. A Dissertation is as good as the research question it seeks to answer. Your research hinges on a good question . A research project should in some way enlarge our understanding of a subject or problem .
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What makes a good Dissertation A Dissertation is as good as the research question it seeks to answer. Your research hinges on a good question. A research project should in some way enlarge our understanding of a subject or problem. In simple terms, research is about asking a good question, finding an answer, and arguing your case.’ A good idea and a good interest is not enough. ‘Without the articulation of a good question you are travelling blind’(O’Leary 2010:47)
What makes a good computing research Question. • FOCUSED: A research question is not the same as a Dissertation title. Dissertation titles are typically broad, putting the project in the wider field. Research questions are much more focused and highlight a gap in knowledge or a problem to be solved. • SYNTHETIC: It is helpful if the research question itself ties together both theoreticaland practicalconsiderations.
Your research Question should • Define an investigation - it can define the topic; Define the nature of the project(to develop, build, or compare); define the questions you are interested in – (what, where, how, when, why); etc. • Set boundaries – It makes your project doable. • Provide direction – blueprint/plan for your project. • Act as a frame of reference for Evaluating your work.
An achievable research question • A good research question can also be re-stated as set of smart Objectives, i.e. Formulating a tentative answer that can be tested through the project. • It is something to Aim, for the purpose of the Project. • This may raise objectives that are followed in order to answer the question(s) but focus is always upon achieving the primary aim.
Finding a good research question • What interests you • What makes you curious • What will make a difference in your career • What do you know something about • Something you can essentially do to completion. • If you are struggling you are not alone!
Good Research Questionsummary • It addresses a need or a problem that you have encountered. • It doesn’t need to be unique, but it must be important to you and your career. • It challenges you to question your own assumptions about learning and change; i.e., it challenges you to learn. • It is doable, meaning you are able to complete the project that would answer the question. • It is doable given your time and material constraints. • It inspires you and has the potential to hold your interest over several months. • It is not too general; that would result in a multitude of sub-questions. • It is not too narrow; that would rule out the emergence of other possibilities. • It cannot be answered “yes” or “no” • It should showcase your computing skills that you’ve developed during your time in the University for potential Employers