This article is dedicated to students preparing to write a thesis and provides a guide on how to locate references.
Firstly, before doing research, we need to familiarise ourselves with basic research methods and engage in large-scale information gathering activities, especially in the case of primary and secondary twice studies.
Secondly, for beginners, ways to obtain information include but are not limited to:
1. in-depth interviews – outlining the inner world of the interviewee through illuminating questions. Note that this method consumes time;
2. questionnaires – answers can be obtained quickly, but inevitably subjective interpretations will affect the depth of the data;
3. observation – studying behaviours as well as mental activities through on-the-spot perception, which is very suitable for research in the community, workplace and teaching environment.
As for secondary research, it relies more on existing materials and pre-existing literature. We usually use the following steps:
1. annotation – to improve reading comprehension and use of technology, methods include:
– Perception – sharing one’s own unique perceptions;
– Evaluation – assessing the book positively or negatively;
– Linking – making connections to other related knowledge;
– Questioning – challenging the author’s point of view.
2. Summary – Capture the main idea and point of the article to save repetition when quoting later. Be sure to extract the essence accurately.
In preparing your thesis, it is hoped that researchers will successfully apply the principles of data collection outlined above so that your thesis is built on a solid foundation.
