Introduction:
Before developing into the thesis, I examined the materials provided by my thesis mentor, Nigel Mairs, outlining the methods of defining and testing research topics. I believe revisiting and analyzing this section is imperative, and I intend to continuously reference and analyse these materials throughout the writing process, particularly when uncertainties arise.
Consequently, I have outlined and summarized the key points from these valuable materials, which I consider crucial guidance for my thesis:
- Prioritizing the assessment of ideological content in academic literature involves focusing on authority, fairness, avoiding biased viewpoints, and considering contemporaneity. Evaluating information during the writing process is crucial, spanning various stages of the paper. Academic research demands authoritative, credible, fair, up-to-date, and relevant sources. Writing requires cautious, thoughtful language use, precise analysis closely tied to the argument, and detailed point-by-point examination.
- Ensuring the authority of sources in academic retrieval is essential. For example, books from university libraries and publications from reputable companies are considered academically credible. It is vital to examine the inner pages or back cover of academic sources to determine their recognized academic credentials.
- Every piece of writing has a certain perspective. In academic writing, the goal is to present a case or offer a new viewpoint. Examples of writing perspectives include feminism, Marxism, post-colonialism, support, or opposition to consumerism.
- Examining whether an author’s extreme or biased viewpoints exist remains a critical judgment point in retrieving articles. Academic books must be products of balanced and thorough research. Several key points outlined on the website of the American University Library (http://www.library.american.edu) include avoiding emotionally charged information, unverified evidence, ignoring the other side, using personal or irrelevant attacks to eliminate the opposition, relying on stereotypes, excluding minority voices, presenting illogical arguments, and depending on unexplained or unverified statistical data.
- A well-rounded paper must involve contemporary ideas on the selected topic. If the project has a historical context, consider contemporary interpretations and the current cultural background of the topic. Journal articles are likely to be key resources, and understanding current ideas should be researched for the development of these ideas/practices.
- In conclusion, during the writing and retrieval process, it is essential to avoid extreme biases, stereotypes, and to ensure fairness, authority, and contemporaneity in citing sources, aiming for a fair and rational discussion of the issues.
Some tips:
- Accumulate extensive notes, formulate a plan, and establish the structure for developing arguments.
- Avoid relying solely on chronologies for constructing the thesis.
- Take thorough notes from readings, but avoid depending on them for constructing the plan.
- Edit out irrelevant material to maintain a clear theme.
- Categorize and annotate main sections and chapters.
- Exercise caution to avoid leaving an impression of hasty or careless thinking. Maintain clarity and conciseness in the text, carefully considering word choices and symbols. The use of the first person requires particular attention.