Thinking about topics in different areas
Today we learnt how to choose a research topic, what to look for, and how to find the right resources quickly.
I’ve been thinking about some options this week, including the recent popularity of AI technology in animation, the use of VR technology to reconstruct the architecture of ancient civilisations in games to enhance immersion, or the emergence of digital people in the concept of the metaverse, among other areas. I’m trying to find what interests me most and think about the possibilities for the future development of this subject.
Choosing a Thesis Topic (and defining a research question)
Examples of Problematic Research Questions
Should animators be environmentally aware?
Further Modifying Your Topic
You will continue to modify your topic throughout the research process. How you modify your topic will depend on:
• Whether there is too much information
• Whether there is too little information
• Whether new issues arise in the research process that need to be addressed
Check List for Choosing a Topic
- Have you chosen a topic which will hold your interest for a sustained period?
- Do you know what the current issues relating to this topic are?
- Have you found out who the leading experts / key writers are in this field and what reviews of the topic already exist?
- Do you have the support of your supervisor for your topic?
- Where are you going to find the appropriate background reading and other sources of information you need for this topic?
- Have you checked their availability?
- Are you going to do primary research? What access do you have to your area of interest? When are you going to do it? Have you discussed the practicality of it with your supervisor?
- Have you a clearly articulated position which you aim to test? (if appropriate)
- Are you sure that your topic is sufficiently focused?
- Does it respond to a question and/or present an argument?
- Have you a clear, manageable research question?
Researching your Topic
Choosing your topic will involve a considerable amount of initial research. Research involves locating key sources. There are two kinds of sources:
a) Primary or original sources. These could be a mediaeval manuscript, a poem, a photograph, the records of an institution, a dress, an interview…
b) Secondary or interpretative sources i.e. papers/articles/books written about a subject.
Each source/text is written/produced from a perspective and has a specific function. Interpretation, therefore, depends not only on the content, but also the context. In other words, don’t take everything at face value. Notice and make note of the position that is being taken by theauthor/producer. An essential part of a good Thesis is commenting on the different position’s authors take.
There are four main stages to research:
• Researching the research
• Planning the research
• Doing the research
• Finishing the research
Research Resources
Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/
Credo: https://search.credoreference.com/
The E-Library
The library subscribes to numerous electronic databases and journals.
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/library-services/e-library/
Finding E-Books Guide
https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/98d39c15-9b36-4966-813c-4a08dc7fe3a4?list=trending