JotCast | Webchat: Troubleshooting Your Research Project | 6/3/2021

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Webchat: Troubleshooting Your Research Project

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Matthew

4:00

Hello everyone! We’ve got Matt Elliott and Sarah Rainey ready to talk all about research projects this afternoon – as usual we’ll be typing at breakneck speed to respond to you all, so please be patient if we take a while to get on to your question.

4:02

Hi @Zenesha!

Zenesha B

4:02

Hi, hope everyone is having a good day.

Matthew Elliott

4:03

Hi, I'm Matt. Looking forward to answering your research project related questions! If you are completing an EPQ or IB project, feel free to message specifically about this too :)

Sarah R

4:04

Hi, I'm Sarah! Have a look at our website to find out more 'general information' on research projects: https://educationoutreach.leeds.ac.uk/post-16-support/

Zenesha B

4:05

I am starting my EPQ next week. I have my topic in mind. Is there are a specific structure i should follow?

Matthew

4:06

Great question @Zenesha B. How are other people feeling about their research projects?

Sarah R

4:08

Hi @Zenesha, Thanks for your question! Sometimes the structure is dependent on the topic, but the best advice I have is to start your research, make sure you are making good notes, and when you plan your writing you will start to see a structure develop. We are running some webinars this Summer on Academic Skills, on the 7th of July we will look at Academic Writing, you can sign up here: https://leeds.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/study-skills-webinar-series

Zenesha B

4:10

thanks Sarah :)

4:11

What are some mistakes we should avoid?

Matthew Elliott

4:11

Hi @Zenesha. Research is really important for the EPQ. Make sure to plan in plenty of time to research your topic area to make sure you find exactly what you want to write about. Make the topic you choose isn't too broad (you won't have the word count to cover it accurately) or too narrow (you might not find enough research to cover your area in enough detail).

Zenesha B

4:14

thanks @Matthew

Matthew Elliott

4:14

No problem @Zenesha. Feel free to let us know if you have any more questions.

Mehroz S

4:16

What subjects ask to write an EPQ or is it all?

Matthew

4:16

Hi @Mehroz. You can pretty much do it on any subject you want. The only requirement is that it isn't something that is directly covered by the curriculum at A-level. You might want to think of something you're interested in studying at uni. It's a great way to demonstrate subject interest/wider subject knowledge when it comes to your UCAS application too.

Ellie B

4:17

Hi all, so I wanted to ask if you have any recommendations on where to find good articles or academic journals for my EPQ? As I'm starting to find resources but I'm not sure where to find the best ones. I'm finding EPQ enjoyable, it was a little overwhelming at first because I hadn't done anything like it before but It's definitely helped me become more independent and in using my own initiative which I think is good!

Sarah R

4:17

Hi @ Ellie, there are loads of great places to find academic journals online. I'm sure you've already searched google scholar but I'd also recommend the directory of open access journals (DOAJ), JSTOR, ScienceOpen, CORE (multidisciplinary), EThOS (run by the British Library). Also, think about changing up your keyword search, and using BOOLEAN searching to expand your online search. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/02/22/what-boolean-search#:~:text=Boole....
Glad to hear you are enjoying your EPQ experience!

Sarah R

4:18

You can find out more about academic research skills by attending our summer webinars. Sign up closes at midnight tonight: https://leeds.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/study-skills-webinar-series

Ellie B

4:18

Thank you Sarah! :)

Zenesha B

4:18

Should my EPQ be more descrptive or critical? It will be based on NHS and government

Matthew Elliott

4:18

It will be useful to have elements of both. Be careful not to be too descriptive in your writing though. The majority of your EPQ should look to showcase your critical analysis of the topic, and how you have used research to consider different perspectives.

Mehroz S

4:21

thank you Matthew

Matthew

4:21

No problem @Mehroz

Matthew Elliott

4:22

Hi everyone, we may take a few minutes to answer your questions :) Thank you to those that have submitted some already

Guest

4:24

how do i write notes about resources like books when they are so long

Sarah R

4:24

Hi @Guest. Note making can be really tricky but one of the key things to help is making sure you only read and make notes on books that will actually be helpful to your project. It is impossible to read every single thing on a topic, so be picky!
Before you start to read something think about what you really want to know and try to only focus on that information when you are reading.
When you are making notes try to keep them really clear, and concise, but also comprehensive. So, make sure you understand them, and you've noted down all the important information but try to avoid writing long quotes or copying word for word. If you can try to summarise or paraphrase it will really help you develop your skills as a researcher.
Note making really is a skill you develop over time, it will get easier with practice. Hope this helps!

Peace E

4:25

how do u take notes on a resource when it is a journal or book and its long

Sarah R

4:25

Hi @Peace E, Note making can be really tricky but one of the key things to help is making sure you only read and make notes on books that will actually be helpful to your project. It is impossible to read every single thing on a topic, so be picky!
Before you start to read something think about what you really want to know and try to only focus on that information when you are reading.
When you are making notes try to keep them really clear, and concise, but also comprehensive. So, make sure you understand them, and you've noted down all the important information but try to avoid writing long quotes or copying word for word. If you can try to summarise or paraphrase it will really help you develop your skills as a researcher.
Note making really is a skill you develop over time, it will get easier with practice. Hope this helps!

Aasia K

4:26

Hello all, how descriptive should my research report be for an artefact EPQ?

Matthew Elliott

4:26

Hi @Aasia. The research report should have some description regarding your artefact (when appropropriate). Make sure you don't have too much description though - only when needed. The majority of your writing should be you showing your critical analysis and how that has shaped your artefact, rather than description.

Matthew

4:28

Some great questions so far...

Zenesha B

4:36

Should we reference as we go along or in the end?

Matthew

4:36

That's a really good question @Zenesha. I would suggest keeping a clear track of things as you go along so you know exactly where quotes/ideas have come from and then dedicate some time at the very end to doing the references properly in the required style. Referencing can be a really good task when you're fed up with writing and want to do something different. It can be quite a big/tedious task if you leave everything to the very end though.

Zenesha B

4:42

Do universities read or take EPQ into acount?

Matthew

4:42

It very much depends on the department/subject but generally speaking they aren't taken 'directly' into account in terms of admission grades etc but will come more into play during the application process in terms of demonstrating a keen interest in the subject or showing the ability to write an extended piece of written work, or work independently (all REALLY important at undergraduate level).

Zenesha B

4:46

Thanks :)

Matthew

4:46

No problem @Zenesha. I think with all of these things it's about how well you frame/demonstrate their use in terms of the skills required at uni.

Zenesha B

4:50

Could i mention EPQ in my personal statement regarding skills? Even if i haven't finihsed EPQ since the due date for us is next year.

Matthew

4:50

Yes, it's definitely something you should mention even if you haven't finished it, presumably you can talk about wider reading/researching etc already. You can also use it to demonstrate an example of an area that you'd like to know more about to showcase a keen interest in the subject area.

Matthew

4:52

Just a few minutes left so time to get your questions in now if you haven't already asked one...

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