Go back to the research objective and the theoretical framework (the “research perspective that you formulated in sessions 2 and 3 and revise these in light of the discussions that we have had on these.
It is important to check whether the research problem that you wish to address is formulated sufficiently clearly.
It is also important to check that you have been able to formulate a knowledge goal as part of your research objective. PhD research is aimed to deliver original research findings, not only an answer to a practical problem.
Make sure that you distinguish the knowledge goal from any societal or political goal that you may have. The knowledge you obtain with the PhD may assist in achieving such a societal or political goal, but that is outside of the PhD project proper.
Make sure that you have identified some concrete theoretical ideas that you can use in your research project.
Answer the three questions regarding the research methods that you wish to apply in your research project (this is essentially assignment 3 of session 5):
Why do you consider the research methods appropriate for achieving your research objectives?
How do these research methods align with the research perspective (theoretical framework) that you have chosen for your research project?
How do these research methods enable you to answer the research questions that you have formulated?
On the basis of your thoughts on the research objectives (point 1) and methods (point 2), revise and complete the research proposal, which should now have the following elements:
Research context (this should contain the so-called ‘problem statement’).
Research objective.
Research framework: research object, research perspective and overview of the sources needed to determine the research perspective.
Research questions and sub-questions.
Research methods.
Save your thoughts on points 1, 2 and 3 in a Word document and upload by clicking the orange button below and send to hout@iss.nl, arts@iss.nl and gebregziabher@iss.nl by Thursday 10 June 2021, 17:00.
Upload your answer to this question.
This response will be reviewed and graded after submission.