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 ----(how they operate and the network of
people involved)

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

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

questions support the answer; no relevant
(reconsider if facts exists; the 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
 It should make the
It should provide a
reader want to find
"map" of what is
out more about
ahead
your research.
What is the study Why is it
about? important?

What is the What are some of

problem, question, the most important
hypothesis, theory relevant work done
to be tested, etc.? in this area?

What further What can be the

research is needed usefulness of your
in this area? study?
 Try to explain
Look at the how the research
broader picture is located in a
wider framework
> research questions
> the interest and
evolve and depend
background of the
on the reading and
researcher shapes
interpretation of the
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)