Choosing Dissertation Question/Dissertation Advice Thread

[Mohsin]

Hey guys, im just wondering if anyone with dissertation experience can give some advice on how to go about with the dissertation/research etc

Also i have to think up of my question (4 options which the lecturers will cut down to 2 for myself to pick one)...how did you go about actually picking the dissertation Q you were gonna do?

Im a Law student btw

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Isn't it a bit late to be doing dissertation or are you being sensible by thinking about it early?

 

[ozzy_07]

Done quite a few dissertations as part of my LLB and thankfully done pretty well with them. Ended up doing three in my final year (one standalone and two as part of two of the modules I had chosen).

In terms of picking a subject and question, firstly I would echo the age-old advice of choosing something you have at least some type of interest in. This is because with LLB dissertations (given the amount of research and time you have to devote in order to get a decent grade) if you have no interest in the topic it makes it a lot more difficult to carry out effective research and maintain attention to detail imo.

Personally, in choosing my subjects I tried to focus on what were "hot topics" at the time as this meant there was a lot more material to research from. To give some examples, this included the debate re privacy law, the ban on short-selling and the assisted suicide debate. However one caveat if you choose to do this is that you will have to ensure your dissertation has something to differentiate it as loads of students will choose to write about "hot topics" so you won't want to bore the reader.

In terms of the actual research itself, all the usual suspects: journals, textbooks, Westlaw/Lexis etc. What I would advise though, is that because of the sheer breadth of material you will access to, choose a list of about 25-30 sources and focus on those. Of course this number could go up or down depending on what the word limit of your dissertations is (mine were 10,000 words for one and 7000 for the other two).

Also try to think outside the box if you can. For example I looked through Hansard to see which MoP had discussed/debated the subjects I was writing dissertations on and contacted them to get their opinions.

Lastly, in terms of how to phrase the actual question itself, this shouldn't be too much of a worry. Once you have decided what the dissertation will be about you can amend the title accordingly so that it addresses the focus of your writing.

Best of luck.

 

[Justcrazy]

I did a dissertation for LLM ..... the topic that I choose was about Piracy in Bollywood.

 

[dell79]

I did a computer science degree and it was a tough choice cos there so much you can choose from but i think the key is to get a good supervisor who you like. Mine was a real evil *******.

 

[Mohsin]

Isn't it a bit late to be doing dissertation or are you being sensible by thinking about it early?

Sensible and early...the dissertations next year in my 3rd year GA

Done quite a few dissertations as part of my LLB and thankfully done pretty well with them. Ended up doing three in my final year (one standalone and two as part of two of the modules I had chosen).

In terms of picking a subject and question, firstly I would echo the age-old advice of choosing something you have at least some type of interest in. This is because with LLB dissertations (given the amount of research and time you have to devote in order to get a decent grade) if you have no interest in the topic it makes it a lot more difficult to carry out effective research and maintain attention to detail imo.

Personally, in choosing my subjects I tried to focus on what were "hot topics" at the time as this meant there was a lot more material to research from. To give some examples, this included the debate re privacy law, the ban on short-selling and the assisted suicide debate. However one caveat if you choose to do this is that you will have to ensure your dissertation has something to differentiate it as loads of students will choose to write about "hot topics" so you won't want to bore the reader.

In terms of the actual research itself, all the usual suspects: journals, textbooks, Westlaw/Lexis etc. What I would advise though, is that because of the sheer breadth of material you will access to, choose a list of about 25-30 sources and focus on those. Of course this number could go up or down depending on what the word limit of your dissertations is (mine were 10,000 words for one and 7000 for the other two).

Also try to think outside the box if you can. For example I looked through Hansard to see which MoP had discussed/debated the subjects I was writing dissertations on and contacted them to get their opinions.

Lastly, in terms of how to phrase the actual question itself, this shouldn't be too much of a worry. Once you have decided what the dissertation will be about you can amend the title accordingly so that it addresses the focus of your writing.

Best of luck.

Awesome advice ozzy, thanks a lot man.
Yeah my one is gonna be 10,000 words....really interested in Human Rights but still not sure if i really should do it on that taking into account your 'recent' news hits POV (i was thinking along those lines myself actually).
Was maybe thinking something regarding HR and Internaional law (though dunno really how i would get a question out of that)/HR and Islamic law? Basically HR and International Law interest me quite a bit

 

[ozzy_07]

Awesome advice ozzy, thanks a lot man.
Yeah my one is gonna be 10,000 words....really interested in Human Rights but still not sure if i really should do it on that taking into account your 'recent' news hits POV (i was thinking along those lines myself actually).
Was maybe thinking something regarding HR and Internaional law (though dunno really how i would get a question out of that)/HR and Islamic law? Basically HR and International Law interest me quite a bit

No worries bro.

I think there is plenty of scope for a dissertation regarding either Human Rights or International Law.

One last bit of advice I would give though is to ensure you don't fall into the trap of doing loads of research and then comparing and contrasting different views in your dissertation without actually adding your own or making a point.

Very important to maintain a sense of direction through the essay to ensure you are making a point or critiquing as opposed to simply stating other people's views. I was guilty of this a few times but luckily had good tutors who pointed it out to me.

All the best.

 

[Mohsin]

Well guys got my disso question confirmation from my tutor today, so now i know what question im defo gonna be doing.

If anyone's interested its basically ‘Breaching constitutional law on moral grounds in the fight against terror’: Human Rights and Anti-Terrorism laws; can they/do they go hand in hand?

My plan now is over the (when is now the remaining summer holidays) to start the basic research (comprising of the journal articles, cases, articles i intend to use) and set out the 'sub-topics' i intend to discuss within the dissertation.

Would you recommend anything more/what i should be really focusing on?

 

[orthodox_spin]

I wrote about the racialistation of Muslims in popular discourse, law and policy. I can give you some really good theoretical sources to help you if you like.

 

[orthodox_spin]

Well guys got my disso question confirmation from my tutor today, so now i know what question im defo gonna be doing.

If anyone's interested its basically ‘Breaching constitutional law on moral grounds in the fight against terror’: Human Rights and Anti-Terrorism laws; can they/do they go hand in hand?

My plan now is over the (when is now the remaining summer holidays) to start the basic research (comprising of the journal articles, cases,Also, coming there may be a problem. I cant come since I I can't arrange a lift* articles i intend to use) and set out the 'sub-topics' i intend to discuss within the dissertation.

Would you recommend anything more/what i should be really focusing on?

I would look in to people like albert dicey, John locke (Montesquieu-separation of powers)

Look at section 21 of the anti terrorism act 20001- x v secretary of state. Look in to lord vingjams 35 page judgement as that will provide you a solid base to work from as he usually keeps the government in check when they act in violation of our unwritten constitutional rights.

Focus on article 3 and how some judges have said that it is inspired by the common law. Remember,torture is a massive constitutional issue and if the human rights wernt in place, the common law will provide protection.

I hve loads more ideas but on the phone at the moment

 

[Mohsin]

I wrote about the racialistation of Muslims in popular discourse, law and policy. I can give you some really good theoretical sources to help you if you like.

Oh that would be great man, really appreciate it

 

[orthodox_spin]

Oh that would be great man, really appreciate it

Edward said: Look in to his theory of orientalism. He wrote a book called covering Islam

Look at sabha Mahmood and shireen razack for racialisation of Muslims.

There's a book called islamphobia: thinking through I think. It focuses on the anti terror laws

 

[Mohsin]

Really appreciating the help, thanks a lot!

 

[Mohsin]

Hey guys, can anyone recommend any good books/articles etc on anti-terrorism developments in the UK/internationally, perhaps post 9/11, and their human rights implications.

 

[orthodox_spin]

Yes, I have on regarding the affects of torture ?

 

[Mohsin]

Yes, I have on regarding the affects of torture ?

Yeah that would be great man (I'm trying to get my research done during Ramadan before I start Uni in mid Sep, or at least get all my sources together and have a look through most of them...can't have too many sources is my thinking lol)

 

[Mohsin]

So ive got a few/managed to find a few but can anyone recommend any good books/articles etc on anti-terrorism developments in the UK/internationally, perhaps post 9/11, and their human rights implications?

 

[Mohsin]

I may be in a position to interview a prominent member of Parliament for my dissertation, if things go right InshAllah tAllah...however I've no idea what the basic/main 'etiquettes' for dissertation interviews are in regards to actually being able to include it in my disso.
Got example, do I need:

To record the interview, so I have actual proof of the interview with the person im claiming it to be with?
Would I have to put the whole interview into written transcript mode?
Anything ele

 

[hadi123]

Dissertation ideas

Hi guys,

I'm a 2nd year Psychology Student and in 3rd year it will be my dissertation. I'm being proactive for once and trying to think well in advance what to do my dissertation on, any ideas would be appreciated

 

[Halaribo]

The psychological impact of media on politics today. Cambridge analytica, facebook, google etc, data collection and the way it is used to shape our opinions and behaviours. Brexit, Trump etc.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

The internet and its effect on youth.

 

[Rana]

At this moment you can use the current scenario of India and Pakistan and question the impact of Media and the social media when it comes to the psychological sense of nationalism.

 

[Rana]

I dont know what university you are studying in, but I would suggest trying to contact Dr Amina Yaqin at SOAS if you consider my suggestion, she will give you some fantastic readings on this

 

[ManFan]

The influence of influence.

Professor Robert Cialdini’s books on persuasion might be a good place to start.

Wish you the best of luck!

 

[hadi123]

So guys, my 800 word research proposal is due monday, and I still have no idea what I am doing it on. I think that maybe something sport related, like how playing sport affects depression, or something along those lines. Please help guys, urgent matter

 

[topspin]

So guys, my 800 word research proposal is due monday, and I still have no idea what I am doing it on. I think that maybe something sport related, like how playing sport affects depression, or something along those lines. Please help guys, urgent matter

Psychological films perhaps? like Inception, Matrix, shutter Island etc

 

[Haroon786]

So guys, my 800 word research proposal is due monday, and I still have no idea what I am doing it on. I think that maybe something sport related, like how playing sport affects depression, or something along those lines. Please help guys, urgent matter

I liked the idea above of how propaganda agencies manipulate social media to control the narrative or to sway public opinion through fabrication.

Another idea is to delve into the behavioural economics, which is becoming increasingly popular in terms of research and is also very current in terms of applicability to the real world - with this, you can also connect it to social media, modern trends and the role of multinational corporations in this.

 

[Suleiman]

Call of the void is a very interesting topic IMO. A very very basic level example is the thought of your brain going "hey what if I jumped right now" when you're looking down from a building or any other high point.

Here's some articles, first one isn't a scientific article 100% but uses quotes from studies by psychologists.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/call-of-the-void
https://pimediaonline.co.uk/science-tech/lappel-du-vide-the-call-of-the-void/

 

[hadi123]

So I have decided to go with this one: The effect of playing a teamsport on self-esteem in students

 

[RehanK224]

So I have decided to go with this one: The effect of playing a teamsport on self-esteem in students

Hope you are doing fine? Do you need help with your dissertation?

is your proposal approved? i can get your dissertation completed for you.

 

[hadi123]

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...sertation-Question-Dissertation-Advice-Thread


Can Mods merge these two threads.

I think my dissertation will be something along the lines of playing a competitive sport, doing regular exercise but no competitive sport, and a group of no exercise, and how the 'type' of physical activity that one takes part in is related to self-esteem