RESEARCH SKILLS
Undertaking research is an important way of contributing to knowledge on a topic as well as demonstrating an understanding of the subject you are working on. Research is a useful way of questioning what you know, and allows you to develop your own critical thinking and communication skills. There are a number of activities involved in research, such as searching for relevant resources, making notes on relevant materials, writing literature reviews, and writing an abstract. The most common form of research in an undergraduate degree is a dissertation.
Below you will find tips on writing a dissertation and searching for relevant literature, amongst other useful resources:
Searching for Literature Writing a Dissertation Useful Resources
Searching for Literature
It is important to seek out appropriate sources to broaden your knowledge on a particular subject or to support your argument. The Library at Queen’s has devloped some guidance for you as you plan your search:
Writing a Dissertation
Dissertations present the opportunity to research a chosen topic and study it in much greater depth than is required for a typical undergraduate essay. There are many stages involved, from formulating a research proposal to writing up your findings. Writing a dissertation for the first time may be a daunting task for students. The following presentations explore some of the stages involved and should help you think about specific aspects of the research and writing process.
Here you will find some helpful tips to help you with the process of writing a dissertation:
Download Resources
Gathering Research for your Dissertation
Literature Reviews: Six Steps to Success
How to Organise your Literature Review