Our survey of 60 postgraduate students offers some interesting insights into the top concerns they have during the early stages of their research. Once the initial topic have been selected, and research statement written, the next challenge students face is setting out their aims and objectives. Nearly two thirds of those questioned (64%) mentioned this as a key anxiety.
Research aims and objectives can be difficult to specify. Stephen, an MSc Human Resources Management student, maintained “I thought I knew what my objectives should be, but once I started to do my secondary research, I realised that this was a wide area and there were already many studies written about the topic. I had to refine my objectives again and again before my supervisor accepted them”. Bethany, a BA Social Studies student, assumed that finding a link between economic growth and social development in a specific African country would be an appropriate objective. When she was allocated to her supervisor, however, he said she would need to be more specific and much clearer: “It delayed the start of my research by two weeks, which was so disappointing – and inconvenient”, lamented Bethany.
Sue Mulhall, Director of Thesis Upgrade, notes “Most postgraduate students have some experience of setting research aims objectives. It can, however, be a daunting task for undergraduate students for whom undertaking a major research project is a first-time experience. Students often ask for advice on their aims, objectives and research questions. With proper support, most learners can produce clear aims and develop specific, measurable and realistic objectives. A suggestion the team at Thesis Upgrade often make is to begin by simply considering what is not known about the topic”, Sue recommends. “This apparently straightforward question can help to identify and critique where the key gaps in current knowledge are”.
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