Practical and Conceptual Considerations of your Doctoral Research Design

The claim that research is 'organized common sense' depends entirely upon how it is designed.

The research design chapter in your doctoral thesis tells readers why you have chosen to adopt a particular methodological approach for your doctoral study, and how you will plan and undertake the fieldwork.  The chapter represents an explanation of the 'Why,  How  and What' aspects of  the research process that is to be undertaken. The research design chapter should explain the links between the significant components of your thesis. It should explain the relationship between research statement-theoretical perspectives-research questions-fieldwork-and (anticipated) conclusions. Thus, it represents your strategic view of your research.

This session will identify and explain the hierarchy of decisions that have to be made before the chapter can be drafted. It will illustrate the contextual considerations which must be acknowledged and then later on how you can use the chapter to audit progress of your research.  Each of these very practical considerations contribute  to 'explaining' your research so that examiners recognize and appreciate exactly how you planned and undertook your research. 

The presentation will be in two parts. The first part will involve a task in which participants will be actively involved in relating the issue to their own research ~ irrespective of discipline or stage of study. Participants will receive a brief for this activity.  The second part will be a presentation that will provide an overview of the practical and conceptual considerations of research design.

Professor Emeritus Vernon Trafford         
Anglia Ruskin University UK and Research Associate, Stellenbosch, South Africa

and

Professor Shosh Leshem
Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel and Research Associate, Stellenbosch University