In the first few weeks, our focus was on researching our possible dissertation topics and analysing how to structure our dissertation proposal. As well as Nigel also told us how to construct a properly framed thesis, as well as giving an account of example arguments as well as the academic nature of the thesis.
Thesis Proposal Structure
A thesis should contain all the following sections:
- Research title or question
- Draft Introduction
- Key words searched.
- Draft literature review
- A draft chapter
- General outline of each chapter
- Indicative bibliography
In any research proposal, the goal is to present the author’s plan for the research they intend to conduct.
In a research proposal, the author demonstrates how and why their research is relevant to their field. They demonstrate that the work is necessary to achieve the following:
- Filling a gap in the existing body of research on their subject
- Underscoring existing research on their subject, and/or
- Adding new, original knowledge to the academic community’s existing understanding of their subject
Types of research
- Quantitative research. This type of research provides numerical data (analysed using mathematical methods or statistics). It is an empirical research that explains trends so it is more objective.
- Qualitative research. This type of research produces findings without using quantitative methods and it is more subjective. It explores the perception, feelings, or ideas of people,
Choosing your topic will involve a considerable amount of initial research. Research involves locating key sources. There are two kinds of sources:
a) Primary or original sources. These could be a mediaeval manuscript, a poem, a photograph, the records of an institution, a dress, an interview…
b) Secondary or interpretative sources i.e. papers/articles/books written about a subject. Each source/text is written/produced from a perspective and has a specific function.
Research Resources
Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/
Credo: https://search.credoreference.com/
The E-Library
The library subscribes to numerous electronic databases and journals.
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/library-services/e-library/
Finding E-Books Guide
Topic Research:
Researching about starting a business in VFX industry, what comes first in my mind is the heavy budget that is required to produce a film. There must be ways to improve things without always investing in so much. Studying about the films that were truly memorable and made on a very low budget would improve me as an efficient artist. The idea is to consider the topics related to films with low budgets and turned out to be successful hits.
TOPIC NAME:
Case Studies of Successful Low-Budget VFX Films: Analyzing Notable Indie Films and Lessons from DIY VFX Projects