So far, we have gone from collecting the source material to reading it and gaining some comprehension around it. Now, it is time to analyse and evaluate this source material so that you can determine how it will fit within your dissertation or thesis plan or within the scope of your research report. This is also a very important stage in your academic work because you are working with your critical thinking skills to determine the origin of the information, its reliability and accuracy, and whether it falls under the category of fact, truth, or opinion.
Although surprising, the truth is that you will find that, as you research, you will come across information and data that contains contradictory statements and arguments while others may not have provided the most reliable data or presented it in a questionable way. Basically, not all research was created equally so it is up to you to use your analytical skills to separate the good from the less accurate. This takes a lot of practice, so this chapter is designed to help you get better at analysis and evaluation.
The key topics covered in this chapter include:
Let's get going on analysis!
All information and ideas, including numerical data, concepts, and interpretations, come from somewhere and that somewhere is usually a person who has researched or thought about that information or idea for a certain time period. There are typically two categories of information and source material - primary and secondary.
Here is how each type of source is defined to help you understand their origin:
Did you know that not all facts are true? Read on about what you need to do to determine if the source material you have is valid, reliable, and true.
One of the most challenging aspects of reviewing your source material for your dissertation, thesis, or research report is to determine if it is valid and reliable. There are many ways that information can be inaccurate:
One way to help determine validity and reliability is to gain a better understanding about the concepts of facts, opinion, and truth. While it can be said that, in many fields, there are no right or wrong answers, there are definitely some criteria for determining if there is a credible argument and a means of reaching some type of value judgment on a particular issue or problem. That leads us to our next section on drawing credible conclusions and how to insert an opinion or viewpoint on a certain subject.
What can be the most challenging is determining truth - a concept that has been debated for centuries and have all sorts of philosophical connotations. The overall definition is that truth is determined when all sides of the argument accept information on a certain subject matter. If credibility can be called into question, then that truth can be questioned. That is why there are different concepts about truth that have to be understood:
When it comes to your academic writing, you want to make sure you focus on objectivity and detachment from the subject in terms of your personal opinions. If you do share your ideas on a particular subject, it is important to just make sure you have valid reasons and evidence to back it up. The evidence you can use consists of many possibilities:
When you do use these primary and secondary sources for evidence, always remember to cite where and who it came from so you are not held to suspicion of plagiarism.
Then, there is the aspect of drawing conclusions in which you need to balance the argument and any counter arguments to illustrate that you have considered all sides and perspectives on the issue. By incorporating what others have stated along with your own conclusion, you are showing the reader that you are balanced and objective about your research, illustrating your critical thinking.
Before you start on the next phase of your dissertation, thesis, or research report, which by the way is note taking, here are some things to think about as you put the tips from this chapter into practice:
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