For most courses at LSE, a dissertation is an essential component of the degree programme both in undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Dissertation writing gives students the opportunity to research their areas of interest and come up with innovative contributions and fresh perspectives to issues. However, specific requirements might differ from one department to another. In my department (International Development), a dissertation should be no more than 10,000 words, excluding the references on a topic relevant to development in general.
But the basic questions border on how to choose research topic/question, methodology, sources and assistance. This article will attempt to address these issues from a fellow student’s perspective.
Choosing a research topic
It is important to choose a topic that aligns with one’s interest as this often supplies the motivation and energy needed to pursue the research. Here, it is not uncommon to see several students researching issues about their home countries or a place of special interest. For instance, the research can be about the impact of climate change on nomadic herdsmen in Northern Nigeria or how economic liberalisation increased the crime rate in Brazil. It is advisable to narrow one’s research down to a particular question.
Research Methodology
To show the importance of methods in research, there is often a compulsory course on research methodology in several departments. Methodology simply refers to the way in which the research will be carried out. Is it quantitative or qualitative research? How are your sources going to be gathered, through interviews, existing data sets or a primary/field research?
Students are often advised to not just state their methodology but also justify why they chose that particular method. This is important because different methods can lead to different conclusions. It might be necessary to acknowledge the existence of other methods and then justify why one was chosen over the others.
Sources
When your university library has over four floors, it is evident it contains innumerable materials for research! Yes, LSE Library is well equipped to meets the research needs for students and professors. Apart of books in hardcopies, LSE Library also subscribes to several online journals for learning and research purposes. Also, departments are often assigned a special librarian who helps students find materials relevant to their department.
Have you spoken to the librarian in charge of your department? She might have one or two ideas about how you can get sources for your dissertation.
How to get help: Dissertation Advisory
Every student is assigned to an Academic Adviser who they are to meet with regularly and report the progress of their work. However, students are also free to consult other academics by booking Office Hours with them. There are also drop-in sessions at LSE LIFE and the Language Centre for dissertation issues. Recently, I attended at workshop at LSE LIFE where students were paired and asked to talk about their proposed topic with their partners. We did this while walking around the serene environment of Lincolns Inn Fields, a breather from the often-intimidating classroom environment.
There is always help around for anyone who requires it, so don’t hide your difficulties. It is also advisable to read through the dissertation guidelines for your department and find out what makes a good dissertation. Reading past dissertations can equally be helpful but be careful of plagiarism. Research is the lifeblood of any academic community, so feel proud that you are contributing to the furtherance of human knowledge.
Written by LSE Social media Ambassador Victor Agboga.