A) What have been the major obstacles you have faced in putting a research project together?
One of the first obstacles I faced was actually narrowing down what I wanted to research within my topic. I wanted to research a topic within the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s however as this covers a range of different things, I struggled to come up with a question. Another obstacle I faced was coming to terms and understanding what primary sources I would use and which ones would be more easily accessible. I have planned to use newspapers in my dissertation, however it was a struggle to decide which few I should pay close attention to and making sure that I was able to access what I needed.
b) What strategies have you adopted to overcome these obstacles?
After doing a lot of research and figuring out what I would be best at, I was able to come up with a question which would suit me best. I was also given the help and opinions of my tutor, who really did help me to write the question which I would find most interesting in writing about. When it came to looking at primary sources, I made sure to do as much research as I possibly could and was successful on deciding which two newspapers I would be looking at. I also made sure that these newspaper archives would be easily accessible to me, making it much easier.
c) What has this taught you about approaching your dissertation?
After being faced with a number of obstacles and overcoming them, I have realised that it is important to be organised and to make sure that I am putting in as much research as I possibly can in order to make it easier for myself. By doing all of this, it will make my dissertation writing less stressful as I should be prepared as much as I possibly can be.
d) Which aspects of the 9X6 module have been the most useful in helping you get your project ready to start?
I would say the 9X6 module has made me realise how much work will be involved and required of me to produce the best dissertation that I can. I feel it has given me a very good head start to thinking more about the dissertation and means that I hopefully won’t be as stressed out when it comes to it. It has also allowed me to gather a great bibliography of primary and secondary sources, making me feel more prepared.