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| edited 3/4/09 |
The Art of Constructive Criticism
Criticism focuses on standards, not expressions of dissappointment. It is constructive when it articulates those standards so that the shortcomings in a piece of writing can be dealt with.
Avoiding Problems With Your Review of the Literature
It is important that you distinguish among different types of literature and not mix them indiscriminately through your review.
Doing Qualitative Research. Avoiding Confusions
Sampling and other issues associated with quantitative research may not be relevant.
Connecting Theory to Research: empirical model
Your literature search should provide you with knowledge and citations to support three things:
1. the rationale for undertaking your research
2. the background of previous research bearing on your topic
3. the theory generating your hypotheses.
Eleven Threats to Ecological Validity
A Checklist from Huck & Cormier.
How to Grade a Dissertation (from the AAUP)
Criteria for four levels of quality are given.
Organizing Your Literature Review
A suggestion for organizing your literature review around issues revelant to your research and the strength of the research evidence available.
A defense of your dissertation or of your dissertation proposal is a performance. Like teaching, lecturing or similar performances, defense performance is enhanced through practice.
Selecting a Hypothesis: a compact decision chart
A chart to help you select the appropriate statistical test for the kind of data you have collected.
The Structure of Issues: a suggestion
Organize the issues you discuss in your literature on the model of a simple systems analysis flow: Pre-analysis, Input, Process, and Output.
Using Quantitative
Procedures Wisely
Deborah Stone in Policy Paradox, (1998, New York: Norton) cautions the reader against assuming that political and ethical decisions can be avoided by the careful use of measurement techniques. In this site are two sets of considerations of which is it important to be apprised.