Lecture 2

Chapter 1
of the Thesis
Proposal
 I am working on topic x--- (internet trolls)

Because I want to find out how/why/whether y ----

Describing (how they operate and the network of people
involved)
your project
So that I can help people
understand how/why/whether z ---(how to combat
internet trolls and engage productively online)
 1. How does your topic fit into the larger story?

2. Ask questions about the nature of the thing itself, as an

independent entity

3. Turn positive questions into negative ones

Question
your topic 4. Ask a speculative question

5. Ask What if?

6. Ask a question that reflect disagreements with a source

7. Ask questions that build an agreement

 You can answer the question too easily

Evaluate your You can't find good evidence to support

questions the answer; no relevant facts exists; the
(reconsider if question is based on preference or taste
the following is
true) You can't plausibly disprove the answer;
If the answer is obvious then disproving
it is pointless
The problem statement
Show Show the problem's importance

Show Show the problem in a perspective of the larger field of which it is embedded

Show Show the problem's generality

Limit Limit the problem

Don't dwell on Don't dwell on the obvious

Find Find the balance between completeness and brevity

Give Give the reader a perspective of the whole proposal

Set Set the frame of reference

Writing activity (15min)
• Draft your statement of the problem
• It can be stated in bullets and in a form of a question
Writing the Introduction

It should make the

It should provide a
reader want to find
"map" of what is
out more about your
ahead
research.
 What is the study
Why is it important?
about?

What is the problem, What are some of the

Specifically, it should
question, hypothesis, most important
theory to be tested, relevant work done in
answer etc.? this area?

What can be the

What further research
usefulness of your
is needed in this area?
study?
Significance of the study

Try to explain how

Look at the broader the research is
picture located in a wider
framework
Background of the researcher
(why should this matter?)

> research questions

> the interest and
evolve and depend on
background of the
the reading and
researcher shapes the
interpretation of the
study
researcher
 Obectives
• Begin with a verb in
the infinitive which
indicates an active process
of investigation and
analysis
Activity
1. Draft an outline of a general introduction to your research.
2. Write your research questions (in bullets)
3. Objectives of the study (in bullets)
4. Significance of the study (outline)----also provide a preview of
literature and methodology
5. Scope and limitations (Outline)
6. Background of the researcher (Outline)