Author: Jiaruo Zhang

defining and testing a research topic. Developing a literature review

Defining and testing a research topic

1. Evaluating Information

This is a really important part of the Thesis process and will take place at various stages of it: when selecting appropriate resources, when using/reading those resources, when making your own case.

2. ‘academic writing’:

Academic writers use cautious considered language in an effort to be as exact as they can in their analysis. They try to say only what they mean and think can be justified.

3. Academic research then, requires sources that are authorative /credible, unbiased, current and relevant to your needs.

a. Authority and Credibility

b. Bias and perspective

c. Currency

Planning your thesis Once you have a significant collection of notes you can begin to devise a plan.

Some tips are:

• Try to formulate a structure that develops an argument.

• Avoid relying on chronology to structure the thesis for you.

• Take charge of your notes; do not rely on them to tell you a plan.

• Edit out irrelevant material. This means you need a clear focus on objective.

• Identify the main sections/chapters and group the appropriate notes together.

• Consider visual illustrations to support your discussion/argument.

Writing skills:

Thesis Structure：

• Title: Subtitle

A title’s primary function is to define precisely and concisely the topic. A legitimate secondary function is to stimulate the reader’s interest. Two-part titles are common: a main title to stimulate interest and somehow imaginatively ‘encapsulate’ the topic, and a subsidiary title to specify the topic.

• Acknowledgements

• Abstract

• Contents Page

• Introduction

• Main Body of Text

• Appendices

• Referencing

Developing and Writing Literature review

Tips：

• A literature review requires the same style as any other piece of academic writing . That means no contractions or colloquialisms, concise language, formal tone, and an objective perspective at all times. 
• To distinguish between your analysis and prior scholarly work in the field, use the past tense when discussing the previous research conducted on your topic and the present tense when discussing your point of view. For example, you might write that a specific author conducted research or that they had been influenced by earlier researchers in the field, but also that you are exploring different research methods and that you are posing certain questions. 

Read your pared-down body of sources. As you conduct your research, take note of the themes present in them and ask questions: 

• Do different authors agree with each other on these themes? 
• Where do they disagree? 
• How does each author support their position?
• Examine the research methods each author used in their work. If your sources involve studies or experiments, note whether the results were replicated and where, if at all, the studies’ results varied from each other. 
• Write down your key insights and how each source you consult contributes to the existing pool of knowledge on its subject. Explore how the sources challenge and contradict each other and where they agree or expand upon each other. 

1. Create a literature review outline!

2. Once your outline is complete, it’s time to start writing.

In nearly all cases, literature reviews are written in the third person.

For example, you might discuss a scholarly article by stating “this paper argues . . .” or “in her work, the author elaborates on . . .” However, there are cases where first person is appropriate in a literature review, such as when you’re referencing your own research. For example, if you’re citing an earlier paper you’ve written or data collected from a study you conducted, you may use phrases like “I argue,” “I propose,” and “through my research, I found that . . .”

3. Remember to follow the Harvard reverencing system.

Similarly, use the same objective academic tone you’ll use in your research paper.

Don’t just list and describe the sources you’ve read; respond to them, interpret them, and critically evaluate them. Keep in mind that you don’t have to agree with every source you use—in fact, exploring where your findings diverge from a source’s findings can be a strong point in your literature review and your research as a whole.  

4. Citing and referencing in the review

Developing an investigation

1. Build your argument –  Your Voice
2. Make an argument
3. Structure your argument
4. Include your own voice in your writing
5. Establish your voice in your writing
6. Research your argument
7. Have a go at resolving this structure

FMP

Selected Topic: The use of computer stereo vision in animation production and their future development

Want：To debate the use of 3D stereoscopic visual effects in animation creation and their potential future development, and to prove the point of view through the actual application in the final works. 

Class：

Choosing a Thesis Topic (and defining a research question)

Your topic will become your ‘research question’. The subject you pick must in some way connect to the area of art, design and visual culture.

You need to consider what resource materials will be available to you (finding this out will be part of your proposal research). Do not rely on personal experience for information.

Your choice of topic is part of the marking criteria of your Thesis. The key points are focus and challenge. A strong topic might receive the comments: Topic well focused and intellectually challenging. Choice of topic suggests considerable critical awareness and understanding.

A weak topic might receive this: Topic limited in approach, purely descriptive, lacking an issue based subject OR inappropriately ambitious.

Things to pay attention to when selecting topics:

1. If the problem with this topic is that it is too broad then it needs to be made more specific.

2. Any question that has an easily available -or obvious – right answer falls into the ‘too narrow’ category.

3. You may think if your general topic area is fine but the title isn’t right yet there’s nothing to worry about. This is a mistake because your question should drive your research and structure your Thesis/case.

4. When developing a research question you need to work out all the different, relevant factors that will inform a convincing analysis. In other words you need to break your question or topic down into sub-questions. These sub-questions will then help you form the structure of the Thesis.

Further Modifying Your Topic

You will continue to modify your topic throughout the research process. How you modify your topic will depend on:

•      Whether there is too much information

•      Whether there is too little information

•      Whether new issues arise in the research process that need to be addressed

Check List for Choosing a Topic

• Have you chosen a topic which will hold your interest for a sustained period?
• Do you know what the current issues relating to this topic are?
• Have you found out who the leading experts / key writers are in this field and what reviews of the topic already exist?
• Do you have the support of your supervisor for your topic?
• Where are you going to find the appropriate background reading and other sources of information you need for this topic?
• Have you checked their availability?
• Are you going to do primary research?  What access do you have to your area of interest? When are you going to do it?  Have you discussed the practicality of it with your supervisor?
• Have you a clearly articulated position which you aim to test? (if appropriate)
• Are you sure that your topic is sufficiently focused?
• Does it respond to a question and/or present an argument?
• Have you a clear, manageable research question?

Researching your Topic

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.  Interpretation, therefore, depends not only on the content, but also the context.  In other words, don’t take everything at face value. Notice and make note of the position that is being taken by theauthor/producer. An essential part of a good Thesis is commenting on the different position’s authors take.

There are four main stages to research:

•     Researching the research

•     Planning the research

•     Doing the research

•     Finishing the research

Research Resources

The UAL libraries ：https://arts.ac.libguides.com/welcome

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：https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/98d39c15-9b36-4966-813c-4a08dc7fe3a4?list=trending

This session will revisit the established practice of experimental animation identifying potential for research with practical experiment looking at pertinent works and key artists.

Experimental Animation

Definition:

Why look at experimental work?

• The limitless potentials of developing visual and film language fuelled by technological advancement has and continues to motivate independent and ground-breaking work.
• Personal Vision through independent film and animation remain central to the development of the medium.

Elements to consider in Analysing and Implementing Formal Experimental Animation

• Categorisation; Genre & Sub-genre what is the works background / setting, mood / tone, theme or topic? How does it comment? Does it fit or is it unique?
• Form and Function; interpreting meaning and relating it to the format, or presentational mode (What are the artist objectives, limitations and?)
• Process; The techniques, materials and technologies applied within the work and the relationships between message and medium, (Does process, technique or tool become the message?)
• Formal Elements; Use of space, composition, Light & colour, movement, rhythm, timing, pacing, transition and audio relationships.( does he work investigate these or other formal elements?)

Conceptual Abstraction

This term relates to the abstraction and juxtaposition of narrative structures or storytelling tools, traditional cannons, and communicative vehicles.

These approaches question and build film language, challenge perception and exploit semiotics metaphor and symbolism.

Interpreting Abstraction

There is an integral link between conceptual application and technological advancement in the innovation of film and in particular, animation, raising  complex and challenging questions on;

• Categorisation; Genre & Sub-genre what is the works background / setting, mood / tone, theme or topic?
• Form and Function; interpreting meaning and relating it to the format, or presentational mode:
• Process; The techniques, materials and technologies applied within the work and the relationships between message and medium, (Does process, technique or tool become the message?)
• Formal Elements; Use of space/composition, Light & colour, movement, rhythm, timing, pacing, transition and audio relationships.

Non-Dialogued film

From Hollywood’s silent films to Surrealism, from children’s narrative to Expressionism, working without the key element of dialogue in developing the narrative or the theme, challenges the communicator  to convey information through gesture and performance, filmic language, special effects and alternative audio components.

In class, I watched many different types of experimental short films, which gave me a deeper understanding of abstract and experimental animation.

Task for next week

Start a section on your blog for the FMP thesis proposal

      Consider the following questions and try to provide brief answers on your blog for next week.

• On graduation which area or environment of production do you wish to focus upon and why?

I had wanted to concentrate on stereoscopic vision when I graduated and produce a design that integrates stereoscopic vision with animation. It combines realistic thinking with dreamy vision, effectively enhances the overall sense of immersion, and brings a shocking visual experience to the audience.

• What skills will you need to attain the standards required for vocational practice?

Traditional 3D computer animation skills combined with the use of some virtual engines make the look and feel more realistic.

• How will you showcase your FMP practice for the final shows?

It should be played on a computer. If there is technical support to complete the effect of vr/naked-eye 3D animation, some related facilities may be used.

• Is it important to directly connect the thesis research to your practical work?

I think it is very necessary. Because the actual work can also be regarded as the experimental data of the paper, providing more support for the paper.

• Do you have an area of research you wish to conduct that is unrelated to practical element?

I consider it an honor if I can delve into it further.

This session will introduce the structure and content the thesis requires.

Developing Research Proposals

1. What is the goal of a research proposal?

In any research proposal, the goal is to present the author’s plan for the research they intend to conduct.

•      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

Your research proposal also must explain the following

•      The research methodology you plan to use. The tools and procedures you will use to collect, analyse, and interpret the data you collect

•      Limitations or constraints that  =are come with conducting it through your institution, department, or academic program

A literature review is part of a research proposal. It’s the section that covers which sources you’re using, how you’re using them, and why they’re relevant. Think of a literature review as a mini-research proposal that fits into your larger, main proposal.

2. How long should a research proposal be?

A research proposal’s goal is to clearly outline exactly what your research will entail and accomplish, so including the proposal’s word count or page count isn’t nearly as important as it is to ensure that all the necessary elements and content are present. The recommended word count would be 1200-1500

3. Research proposal structure

To achieve the goals described in the previous sections, and provide the supervisor sufficient information for recommendations for thesis development the research proposals will need include the following sections:

•      Research title or question

•      Draft Introduction

•      Key words searched

•      General outline of each chapter

•      Draft literature review

•      A draft chapter

•      Indicative bibliography

4. Draft Introduction

5. Key words

List key words and combinations used in searching for sources.

6. Draft literature review

7.

How to write a research proposal

Research proposals, like all other kinds of academic writing, are written in a formal, objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key component of academic writing; formal does not mean flowery. 

Adhere to the structure outlined above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit this template. It’s crucial that you present your research proposal in a clear, logical way. Every question the reader has while reading your proposal should be answered by the final section.