Writing your LLM dissertation Preparing a concept paper

Writing your LLM dissertation: Preparing a concept paper Caroline Goodier School of Law February 2014

Outline � Presenting your research plan � The process: ◦ Finding a topic ◦ Refining a research question ◦ Preparing the concept paper � Presenting your plan

Presenting your research plan Concept paper Research proposal • Three page document • Provides brief overview of topic, problem to be analysed and research methodology. • Should include a preliminary literature survey and a reference list. • Provides a basis for discussion of your emerging ideas with your supervisor. • More detailed document which provides a “map” for writing the dissertation • Includes a proposed outline and a time line/schedule.

What is a research proposal? “The research proposal is often the key element to the successful thesis and, as such, the most important step in the whole process” (Madsen, 1992: 31).

� Area Finding a topic that interests you � Professional practice � Reading � Topics as given by discipline/supervisor � Projects or studies being done in discipline � Look at previous studies/dissertations done � Look at topical issues (newspapers) � Browse through relevant journals – contents page, abstracts, professional associations � Having decided what aspect of the law you would like to write about, read some of the general legislation and literature in that area.

Selecting a focus � Statement of purpose: The purpose of this study is to …. � Consider key words and phrases that suggest the research approach. � How does the statement of focus differ from the title of the study?

Refining a research question Turn your statement of focus into a research question or series of questions (this is the question thesis has to answer). � These questions focus and refine your broad statement of purpose. � The question(s) should be: ◦ significant ◦ feasible. � The questions repeat or refer to key terms. � What will we know at the end that we did not already know?

Stating the rationale �A rationale is a brief statement of why the proposed research is worthwhile. � It may indicate the contribution of the study to improving practice, informing policy or enriching knowledge on the topic or issue. � Convince the reader the problem is important. � Convince the reader that this specific study is important. � Indicate clearly what this study will achieve

Conducting a survey of literature � You need to find out: ◦ What has already been written on your topic ◦ What silences or gaps there are. � Your survey of the literature will refer to what has been written and how your proposal addressed this silence or gap. � It is not just a “laundry list” (who said what) but an assessment of existing research. � It is goal focused. � It demonstrates that you have read widely and deeply on your topic.

�A Considering your theoretical or conceptual framework theory is a perspective or lens for examining events or issues, e. g. feminist theory, critical legal theory. � A conceptual framework is a less well developed explanation (e. g. a framework which links some key concepts or principles without being developed into a theory). � Considering the framework helps to make explicit the assumptions underlying the research. � A conceptual framework may be explored in the literature review.

Drawing up a plan for collecting data � Think about data that needs to be collected to answer the research question(s) (if relevant): ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ why is the data being collected? What is the research strategy? Who or what is the source of the data? Where will it be collected? How many sources will be accessed? How often will data be collected? How will the data be collected? Why is the best way of collecting data for this research question? � Design your research instruments. � Consider the ethical implications.

Finalising your concept paper � Draw up an initial research plan. � Keep reading to be able to decide if you are on the right lines. � Write your concept paper.

Format for the concept note � Title/research topic � Background and statement of purpose � Rationale for the study � Research problem/question(s) � Literature review � Conceptual/theoretical framework � Research methodology � References

Format for the research proposal � As above but more detailed � Include also: ◦ ◦ Anticipated limitations Ethical issues Outline/structure of dissertation (table of contents) Timeline/schedule