4.3 Working towards a strong reference list 58
4.4 Knowing when to stop reading 60
4.5 Keeping a record of what you have read 62
Case study – Accessing the right support 65
Theme 5 Key research terminology 67
5.1 What does ‘methodology’ mean? 68
5.2 The links between methodology, and 70
5.3 Quantitative and qualitative methods 72
5.4 Validity, reliability and generalisability 74
Top tip – A hierarchy of objectives 80
6.2 Some common ethical issues in 86
6.4 Maintaining confidentiality and keeping 90
6.5 Gaining informed consent 92
Case study – Researching a sensitive topic 94
Theme 7 Support and feedback 97
7.1 The supervisory relationship 98
7.2 Building a good relationship with your 100
7.3 Making the most of feedback 102
7.4 The role of a critical friend 104
7.5 What to do if you experience difficulties 106
Theme 8 Research management 113
8.1 Managing your research project 114
8.2 What to do when things don’t go according 116
8.3 Coping with the unexpected 118
8.4 Getting ready to analyse your data 120
8.5 Dealing with large amounts of data 122
Top tip – ‘Big rocks first’ 126
9.1 What motivates you in your research? 130
9.2 The role of emotions in research 132
9.3 Dealing with peaks and troughs 134
9.4 What to do when you feel like giving up 136
9.5 Why does it all feel so important? 138
Top tip – Treat yourself – you deserve it! 141
Theme 10 Submission and review 143
10.1 The finishing touches 144