Research Skills Research Skills AIH 2020 Dr Janette Martin & Dr Pat Hill 13 Feb 2012
Dec 15, 2015
Introduction Introduction
Schedule for dayWrite any questions on post it notes and
stick on board –if not answered today will do so on Unilearn
3 folders on Unilearn - Annotated Bibliography, Proposal, Historiography.
Please also check handbook or Unilearn for assignment details and assessment dates.
Today’s PowerPoints will go up on Unilearn
Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents.
Each citation is followed by a brief (100- 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph (i.e. the annotation)
The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the quality of the sources cited and the relevance of that source to your research topic.
3 parts: Summary, Evaluation, Reflection
Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies
Summary What is it about?
The author’s purpose, aim or questionmain argument, central idea, findings or conclusions
What sort of text is it? General? Specific?
Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies
Evaluation
What do I think about it?Who is it written for?Particular strengths from your point of view?Any weaknesses or limitations?
Annotated bibliographiesAnnotated bibliographies
Reflection
How might I use it?Has the text helped you understanding something better?
Task 2: your sourcesTask 2: your sources
Annotate two sources on your research topic following the model given above (Summary, Evaluation and Reflection)
Refer also to the Teaching American History guidelines in handout
Your research proposalYour research proposal
Your research proposal should be referenced like any other piece of academic work
The proposal (1000 words) and the annotated bibliography (1000 words) is worth 50 % of your mark for this module
For subject specific advice speak to your tutor. For practical advice refer to the documents in Unilearn (module information) or speak to Janette or Pat
Your proposals and annotated bibliographies will be marked by your tutor
Submission deadline 22 Feb 2012
Writing a Research ProposalWriting a Research Proposal
A statement of intentNot set in stoneExplore, investigate, analyse
assess, compare …Why is it worthwhile?What contribution will it make?Is it feasible? How will you do it?
Getting StartedGetting Started
My research question is…Debate centres on the issues of…Researcher A argues … whilst B argues that…
My research will use … (primary sources) to explore/argue that …(depending on how much reading you have done and how clear you are)