Bestselling author Stella Cottrell taps into her tried and tested formula for learning and brings students the essential guide to producing top-quality dissertations and project reports. The book breaks down this process into manageable chunks and covers everything from preparation and planning through to conducting research and writing up the finished article. Packed with dozens of hands-on activities and quotes from real students, this book demystifies dissertations and project reports and helps ensure that the process is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels embarking on a dissertation, project report or other piece of extended writing. Its interdisciplinary approach means it is the ideal companion for students of all disciplines.

Autorentext

Stella Cottrell was formerly Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leeds, UK, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of East London, UK.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART I: PREPARATION AND PLANNING

1. Where Do I Start?
2. What Makes a Good Dissertation or Research Project?
3. Project Managing Your Dissertation
4. Managing Yourself for the Task
5. Time and Timing
6. Working with Your Supervisor
   PART II: DEVELOPING YOUR PROPOSAL
7. Understanding the Assignment Brief
8. Selecting Your Topic and Title
9. Literature Search and Review
10. Principles of Good Research
11. Methodologies: Approaches to Research
12. Ethical Considerations
13. Writing the Research Proposal
    PART III: CONDUCTING THE RESEARCH
14. The Evidence Base
15. Working with Participants
16. Experiments
17. Observations
18. Surveys and Questionnaires
19. Interviews
20. Case Studies
21. Interpreting Your Findings
    PART IV: WRITING IT UP
22. Your Writing Strategy
23. Getting the Structure Right
24. Fine Tuning your Writing
25. Viva Exams
    Final Considerations
    References
    Index.