CONCEPTUAL CONNECTIONSESSAY

The Brief

You will need to use your research to examine theoretical models and professional practitioners/influential artist to write a 1000 word essay/presentation. This work will evaluate and analyse how you apply the theories you have discovered to your working practice.

You will be required, using your personal and professional experience on this project to construct a “research question” which aligns with your practical work. This could question the theoretical aspect of your development process/production.

Research Question

What is a research question?

A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable question around which you center your research. You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about.

Research Question

What is a research question?

“You need to get [the research question] right because it counteracts any tendency towards too broad a focus and it sets your agenda within manageable limits. The best way of succeeding is to subject your proposed research question to a rigorous process of interrogation.” (Davies. 2007)

Your research hinges on a good question. A good idea and a good interest is not enough. ‘Without the articulation of a good question you are travelling blind’ (O’Leary 2010)

Research Question

Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.(argument)

Narrowing down your research question

Narrowing down your research question

WHY?

Theories look at why

Try and not be descriptive in your investigation.

For every “what”, “where” and “who”, as WHY.

Think of Why in terms of

Process (why we do something in a certain way)

Practitioners/artist (why they did something)

Audience (why they react/not react to something)

Bibliograpy

Davies, M.B. (2007), Doing a Successful Research Project – Using Qualitive or Quantitive Methods. New York: Palgrave Macmillan

Schon, D. (1991).The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. London: Temple Smith

O'Leary, Z (2010) The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, : SAGE Publications.

Essential reading

Make sure you read the essential reading and reference it in your essay.