Dear Everyone!
I'd ask you opinion about a problem, which is returning in my "softer" research field. Time to time I work on research projects, which do not have available data and/or the data would be very complex/difficult/time consuming to collect.
For example: I elaborate several models of a transportation service (physical, operational, informational, business) and apply it in a case study the results are not really based on any data outside (reasonable and baselined) assumptions and spatial characteristics. The results are some novel characteristics of the service, which can be linked with previous literature.
How would you separate application, results and discussion in this case? How can I discuss results which are not supported by data? Are assumptions and comparison between literature and my results enough to build a proper discussion section?
Thank you for you answers in advance!
Kind regards,
Simon NAGY
PhD student
My view is different from Peter Samuels', but I think we agree within the typical science and social science project. Consider (theoretical) mathematics research or thought experiments in physics or philosophy. The methods might involve a series of statements (theories, etc), and proofs/derivations related to these.
BUT, it sounds like you are doing a literature review/theory chapter, so look at sources for writing these.
Dear Nagy Simon ,
All viable dissertation topics are associated with identifying sources of data you are able to systematically collect and analyse. I would therefore challenge your premise that your topic area is acceptable but there is no reliable source of information available to investigate it.
Data comes in three main types: 1. data you collect yourself (known as primary data); 2. data someone else collected but you analyse (secondary data, primary analysis); 3. data other people collected and analysed but you are reviewing (secondary data, secondary analysis). Each of these types of data and hybrid combinations thereof leads to a standard format methodology chapter.
The puropse of a methodology chapter is to provide a theoretical context, rationale and implementation plan for collecting and analysing data in order to achieve your objectives or answer your research questions.
My view is different from Peter Samuels', but I think we agree within the typical science and social science project. Consider (theoretical) mathematics research or thought experiments in physics or philosophy. The methods might involve a series of statements (theories, etc), and proofs/derivations related to these.
BUT, it sounds like you are doing a literature review/theory chapter, so look at sources for writing these.
Dear Peter Samuels and Daniel Wright ,
thank you for your answers; I'd respont both of you here. On one hand, I do agree with Professor Samuels; honestly as I've read your answer it instantly seemed obvious. As of your answer Professor Wright, I'm not working on a literutre review of my dissretation just yet, however have been working on a paper. Although, from what you've written maybe I can phrase my own interpretation as follows:
(series of statements and proofs/derivations in this case will be based on literature; no mathematical elements included)
In that paper, I elaborated several models of a shared transportation service (physical, informational, operational, business
first step: basic theses-3 sentences
second step - description of the purpose and methods of the study who was tested,
third step - research results with reference to the works of other authors
Hanna Żuraw
Dear Hanna Małgorzata Żuraw !
Thank you for your answer; usually I try to follow a similar research methodology, overall it is good to see that an assessment on existing literature is widely accepted!
Kind regards,
Simon NAGY
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