Continue with Methodologies
The Golden Thread
The Golden Thread refers to the clear and logical connection between a research project’s aim, objectives, and goals. This alignment ensures coherence and consistency throughout the study.
1. Research Aim (High-Level Statement)
The research aim articulates the overarching purpose of the study. It should be stated clearly and concisely, providing a broad indication of what the research seeks to explore or achieve.
Example:
- Topic: Employees’ experiences of digital transformation in retail Human Resources (HR)
- Research Aim: This study aims to explore employees’ experiences of digital transformation within the context of retail HR.
2. Research Objectives
Research objectives break down the broader aim into specific, actionable components. They outline the steps that will be taken to achieve the aim and should be framed in a way that guides the research methodology and analysis.
- Clearly describe each objective.
- Ensure objectives are focused and feasible within the scope of the research.
- They should collectively address the research aim in a systematic manner.
3. Research Goals (Following the SMART Framework)
Research goals should adhere to the SMART criteria to ensure they are practical and effective in guiding the project:
- Specific: Clearly defined and unambiguous.
- Measurable: Include criteria for tracking progress and measuring outcomes.
- Achievable: Realistic and attainable within the available resources and timeframe.
- Relevant: Aligned with the broader research aim and scholarly or practical needs.
- Time-bound: Defined by a clear timeline or deadline.
Things to bear in mind when writing
Note-Taking Tips:
- When taking notes, particularly while quoting or summarizing specific phrases, it is essential to clearly distinguish between direct quotations and paraphrased content.
- Use quotation marks (“”) to denote direct quotes. For paraphrased material, indicate clearly that the content is a summary in your own words.
- This practice is crucial because, over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to recall whether a specific phrase was directly quoted or paraphrased, which can lead to issues of accuracy or unintentional plagiarism during the writing process.