When it was about time to take up thesis as a final requirement to finish what course I took, I was so frightened that I might fail. Then one of my professors told me that it is just so easy but still doubted myself and my capabilities as a student.
I realized it was all just in my head. I was just frightened because of the fact that I haven't started researching yet and I was thinking that research papers must be comprehensive to get a higher grade but I was wrong. My professor always remind me of KISS, Keep It Simple, Stupid.
WHAT IS A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?
Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota. source
SIMPLE GUIDE FOR EVERYONE
Basically there are things that should be followed in order to make a qualitative research. These are the following things that should be found inside the research paper(Unless there are other things required for you to make):
- Abstract
- Statement of the problem
- Scope and Limitation
- Significance of the Study
- Definition of Terms
- Review of Related Literature
- Theoretical Framework
In this post I will include an actual study I made along with the definition of each mentioned above. The title of the thesis I made was "The contemporary changes of Kadayawan in visual translation." Along with my manuscript is a painting that is also a requirement.
ABSTRACT
An abstract summarizes, usually 300 words or less, the major aspects of the entire paper in a prescribed sequence that includes: 1) the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) you investigated; 2) the basic design of the study; 3) major findings or trends found as a result of your analysis; and, 4) a brief summary of your interpretations and conclusions. source
Here's what I wrote
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
A clear concise description of the issue that needs to be addressed by the researcher. It is used to center and focus the researcher at the beginning, keep the researcher on track during the effort, and is used to validate that the effort delivered an outcome that solves the problem statement. source
Here's what I wrote
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
The scope and limitations are very important to the nature of your study. As your study begins with your problem statement and purpose statement—outlining the reason and direction for your study, your study must also indicate its limitations. In addition to what your study intends to accomplish, a discussion of what your study intends not to accomplish is of importance and value as well. source
Here's what I wrote
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
An explanation of the significance of a study may include the meaning of the research work to you personally and should include how your research benefits or impacts others in part or whole. Discuss what people or groups of people might benefit from reading your research. Show how this project is significant to developing a body of knowledge. If your investigation will contribute to a portion of a larger investigation, describe that larger investigation as well. source
Here's what I wrote
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Some of the words and names used in research can be confusing. We have worked with a panel of researchers and a panel of service users to develop a jargon buster and glossary of words. It contains the definitions of some of the terms commonly used in public involvement in research and explanations of the acronyms that are often used. It is not a complete list of all the words you might come across, but we are adding to them all of the time. source
Here's what I wrote
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
A literature review is an evaluative report of information found in the literature related to your selected area of study. The review should describe, summarise, evaluate and clarify this literature. It should give a theoretical base for the research and help you (the author) determine the nature of your research. Works which are irrelevant should be discarded and those which are peripheral should be looked at critically. source
⚠️A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER⚠️
don't ever forget to include citations after each paragraph
Here's what I wrote
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions. The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. source
Here's what I wrote
Orientalism
Semiotics
Structuralism
As I have said above that this manuscript has a painting along with it, I painted something that reflects all that is stated on this manuscript.
Here's the painting
Moira means "the end point of our faith". It took me 4-5months to make this thesis considering the fact that along with the manuscript is a 4ft x 8ft huge realistic painting.
I can say that I have delivered my thesis defense well and luckily I got the highest score among the group with the score of 92%. We made our thesis individually and I have proven to myself that my professor was right, It was just all in my head. I made it.
It might be a quite long process and I hope everyone who is able to read this article will find it useful. It is really difficult in the beginning but once you started it then you'll enjoy it.
Thanks for dropping by and let me know about your thoughts or questions on the comment section.
Peace Out and Take a Leap