Introduction
Introduction clip ( subtitles in English)
For this step, you will research a suitable topic for your thesis or paper. Your lecturer may assign a specific topic for your paper or the entire course may focus on a specific subject. In this case, use the first step to familiarise yourself with the existing literature on your topic.
Coming up with your own topic
Choose subject clip (subtitles in English)
Coming up with your own thesis topic can be difficult. You may find the following sources useful:
•Newspapers available at Nexis Uni
•Blogs, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest as a source of inspiration
•TED Talks on various subjects
•Magazines and journals, such as New Scientist
•Websites, such as RealClearScience.com
Understanding your topic
Gaining a better understanding of your topic will help you:
There are several ways to gain a better understanding of your topic:
•approach experts
•review reference books
•search the Internet
•search library catalogues and databases
•…
In the orientation phase, you should ask yourself the following questions:
•Who is this question relevant to? Yourself (personal relevance) or a client (professional relevance)?
•Are you looking for factual information or do you want to understand the different views and beliefs on your topic?
•How much time do you have, which resources are available and how extensive does your report have to be?
This will help you determine the context of your search, which can influence the information sources you end up choosing.
Theoretical Framework
In a theoretical framework you present relevant concepts, definitions, models and theories related to your research topic.
What is the purpose of a theoretical framework?
"The purpose of a theoretical framework is that you are going to describe what is already known about your topic and especially what is not yet known. This is how you guide the reader toward your research question
Once you've selected a topic, continue to the section 'Formulating your research question'.