How to use this workbook

This workbook has been designed to act as your end of module assignment, and provide additional support around developing research questions, conducting an annotated bibliography, and planning a research project going into the final stage of your study. This workbook has been developed to work alongside the various learning activities undertaken in the module.

Task 1 – Action Points

Becoming a good researcher is contingent upon constant development and growth. You have strengths and weaknesses, but it is important to recognise what you can improve, and take the initiative to ensure that you do improve.

The purpose of this activity is to encourage you to self-evaluate and make plans to refine your academic skills. Whilst there is no set content for this list, you might include:

• Databases you intend to make greater use of, and how you will develop your familiarity with them.
• Library skills sessions on areas you need further assistance with.
• Where you will look for help on critical analysis and thinking.

Create a list of at least 3 skills you need to improve – and explain how you intend to improve those skills. 300 words

Answer:

Skills, abilities and ideas require continuous development and proper maintenance for future fluctuations to preserve their stability and remain appropriate and suitable. Every person has a skill, and whether that skill is gained or gifted, it will not remain for those who stopped modernising it because it will not meet the future’s glory. It will float in imaginary circles of an incorrect appreciation of their abilities, which in perspective modernity is ancient. Evolution is a guarantee of passage and stability in light of future crises and the changing circumstances of the present, and the attempt is always and eternally worth it. However, it is known that the skill of self-discipline could be summed up as self-control and willpower over opposing desires. It is considered an essential skill for mastering the rest of the skills due to the rejection of temporary pleasures in exchange for something better. Furthermore, that requires to be goals identified to create incentives, self-control by directing emotions and ideas to create power, and motivation, which is internal enthusiasm, which acts as an engine of encouragement and finally persevere when it fails.”A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering”-Dalai Lama.

Moreover, conscientiousness is better used to acquire both soft and technical skills. It is worth saying that the former includes several skills, such as communication, negotiation, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. However, these skills can be gained by training with accredited bodies, continuous development through reading and seeking new developments, changing the way of thinking by stimulating innovation and creativity skills. Many are overlooked self-discovery to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to fill up the gaps. Nevertheless, it is imperative to realise that acquiring these skills does not happen by knowing them and knowing the steps to obtain them, but by continuous practice and prevent flaws from reoccurring.

Task 2 – Subject Areas

Think about these questions and jot down some specific ideas here:

List the subjects you are interested in researching and writing about. (approx. 20 words)

Task 3 – Specific Research Niche

For your next task, think of a more specific research area you would like to observe. This does not need to be your actual research question, just try to think of a topic within the subject that you want to look at.

Write your narrow topic idea here. (approx. 20 words)

Task 4 – Mind Maps

Mind maps help you conceptualise some of the main aspects you’ll need to look at in your research. It may look quite basic, but these things can be a huge help, especially in terms of reminding you what you need to look at as you get further into your project. Write your research topic in the centre bubble, then write aspects of that topic you’ll likely need to look at the end of the arrows emerging from it. (approx. 150 words)

Task 5 – Research Question

Now try to construct your own research question (or a series of questions if you cannot narrow it down to just one) (approx. 50 words):

Task 6 – Methodologies

There is more that can be done to limit the scope of your research and make it more focused. For this task, think about what sort of methodological tools you may wish to use. You may consider a comparative legal analysis, or the use of a particular theoretical lens. You could even consider how you are intending to use applied legal studies. (approx. 150 words)

Task 7 – Databases

Once you have your research idea, you need to generate research materials to draw from, and that requires the use of databases. What do you think are the most useful methods of ensuring suitable and useful search results when utilising databases for research? (approx. 100 words)

Task 8 – Demonstrating Criticality

When we are conducting research, we want to be thinking about how we are using the sources. There is no benefit in just reiterating what other authors have stated previously, you need to ‘add value’ by providing critical analysis and demonstrating how their ideas and theories fit into your own arguments.

Read the following extracts and reflect upon the differences in how the authors present the arguments and work of another. What differences can you observe, and which is the better expression of critical work?

1. In a recent article, Newbery-Jones contended that “the current law of defamation is not fit for purpose and needs significant reform.” Warburton also believes that the law is unfit, stating that “defamation law is dumb.” Zavoli and a number of other scholars aggressively disagree.

2. Both Warburton and Newbery-Jones have questioned the adequacy of the law of defamation in England and Wales. However, their respective positions have been criticised by a number of diverse scholars, particularly those who question the validity of Newbery-Jones’ sample participants. Furthermore, Warburton’s piece was written in 1983 and is not wholly reflective of the current state of the law. Yet, there is a commonality within the work of all these scholars. All fail to adequately address the shifting realities of the sphere in which defamation law functions in a much more technologically advanced society.

(approx. 150 words)

Task 9

Annotated Bibliography

We want you to keep an annotated bibliography as you explore the various academic sources you discover and work to refine your question and explore your topic. An annotated bibliography can help you quickly locate particular works, notes, and critiques later on. It can also help you group similar or conflicting arguments, alongside points that support your own hypothesis. Include 6 different sources in this annotated bibliography, each with a 150-word limit as to what the article is about, and how it may be beneficial to your research project.

Note: Make sure the sources are organised in alphabetical order by the authors’ last name. You should also ensure the sources are written in OSCOLA format (this is part of the challenge of this assessment). The 150-word limit on your description does not include the title, and you MUST make sure your description of the article and its relevance to your work is in your own words.

Note: Further Guidance is available in the workshop materials.

900 words (not including OSCOLA compliant titles)

Task 10

Poster

Design a poster to illustrate, investigate, and critically analyse the state of knowledge in a legally related topic of your choice.

The poster should be submitted to Minerva as a pdf file. You should make use of the explicit guidance provided in the week 4 study materials, and in the week 5 workshop materials.