Lab 09: Third Year Dissertation Preview
The Cherry on the Sundae
Lab
Week 09
Your Dissertation Journey Starts Here
- Purpose of the Dissertation:
- Demonstrate the culmination of your research skills.
- Transition from guided learning to independent inquiry.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to a practical research question.
Key Timeline and Milestones
- November:
- Third-year students deliver their project presentations.
- Presentations assess rationale, hypotheses, and methodology.
- (Note: You will not attend these presentations.)
- Mid-April:
- Final dissertation submission deadline (6,000–8,000 words).
Third-Year Dissertation Overview
- What is Expected?
- Conduct original empirical research, guided by a supervisor.
- Engage in all research phases: design, ethical approval, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Third-Year Dissertation Overview (cont.)
- Key Deliverables:
- Oral Presentation (10% of grade):
- Short presentation of project rationale and plan.
- Constructive feedback from supervisors and peers.
- Written Dissertation (90% of grade):
- Formal submission in APA journal-style format.
- Includes literature review, methodology, results, and discussion.
- Oral Presentation (10% of grade):
Core Learning Outcomes 1/3
- Research Skills:
- Translate theoretical questions into testable hypotheses.
- Design robust and ethical research studies.
Core Learning Outcomes 2/3
- Critical Thinking:
- Identify gaps in existing literature.
- Interpret data meaningfully in the context of theoretical frameworks.
Core Learning Outcomes 3/3
- Communication:
- Articulate your findings effectively through writing and presentations.
How Your Mini-Dissertation Prepares You
- Skills Building:
- Apply second-year research experience to larger, more complex projects.
- Practice ethical and methodological rigor.
- Lessons Learned:
- Reflect on challenges faced during your mini-project.
- Use feedback to refine your research and writing techniques.
Tips for Preparing in Your Second Year 1/3
- Choose a Potential Topic:
- Start identifying areas of interest related to your studies.
- Discuss ideas with mentors, tutors, or third-year students.
Tips for Preparing in Your Second Year 2/3
- Engage with Literature:
- Read extensively to familiarize yourself with research trends.
- Identify key gaps or questions that inspire curiosity.
Tips for Preparing in Your Second Year 3/3
- Master APA Formatting:
- Practice structuring reports according to APA guidelines.
- Familiarize yourself with citation and formatting rules.
Looking Ahead: Key Success Strategies 1/3
- Supervisory Guidance:
- Build strong communication with your future supervisor.
- Use meetings to seek feedback and refine your project plan.
Looking Ahead: Key Success Strategies 2/3
- Time Management:
- Develop a timeline for data collection and analysis.
- Set interim deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes.
Looking Ahead: Key Success Strategies 3/3
- Feedback Loop:
- Treat November presentations (even if you don’t attend) as a model.
- Be open to constructive critique for improving your work.
Motivation: Why This Matters
- A Transformational Experience:
- Your dissertation is more than a grade; it is a demonstration of your growth as a researcher and thinker.
- The First Step to Expertise:
- Skills learned here will set the foundation for your academic and professional pursuits.
- Your Journey:
- Embrace the challenges and celebrate your progress!
What it means in reality
- This is yours and yours alone:
- You will be an expert in your field.
- This is likely the thing you will talk about in any interview or job application.
- This is the thing that will make you stand out from the crowd - so be strategic in your choices.
- This is a large-scale project that you will be able to talk about and demonstrate Project Management abilities.