This course is aimed to support the PhD candidates in writing their problem statement, formulating their research question, reviewing, and evaluating the literature, and determining appropriate methodology for their research project. During the course, the PhD candidates specify the research plan of their PhD project, and work on their go/no-go assignment. The course will teach them to position their research vis-à-vis an established body of literature, identifying gaps in the literature, and innovations in their own research.
FSS – Proposal Design and Writing
dr. C. van Dullemen
Dr. Mariken van der Velden (m.a.c.g.vander.velden@vu.nl)
Course Description
Course objectives
The course aims to facilitate a proper start of the project and complements the regular PhD supervision. By the end of this course, the participants (1) have reviewed the existing literature on their research problem; (2) have discussed alternative theoretical approaches; (3) have developed the best research approach for their dissertation research; (4) have explored alternative research approaches; (5) have identified potential problems and disadvantages with their methodology, and resolved them as much as possible; (6) have considered the ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research, and have elaborated on this in an ethics statement; (6) have written a research plan or research proposal for their PhD dissertation conforming to quality standards as required by VU-GSSS.
Course content
The participants in this course develop a research proposal over the course of four meetings:
1. The participants develop a clear and concise problem statement, emphasizing its social-scientific relevance. Participants discuss the elements of a proposal and consider epistemological engagements.
2. The participants formulate and sharpen their research question. In addition, the participants review and discuss the existing literature and theory, describing the key issues, identifying the gaps, adding to theory, and criticizing shortcomings of previous research.
3. The participants develop the research approach and methodology. They consider the advantages and disadvantages of common research designs in the social sciences, as well as the validity and reliability of various methods. This meeting includes a discussion of ethical considerations, and how to effectively write about this in a proposal format.
4. The participants present their completed proposal and receive constructive comments in order to strengthen the proposal’s structure. This meeting includes a discussion of how reviewers will be assessing the proposals (proposal do’s and don’ts).
Study Characteristics
- Discipline: Social Sciences
- Language: English
- ECTS: 3
- Type of education: in class
- Academic skill: Proposal writing
- Graduate School: Graduate School of Social Sciences
- Start date: 15 November 2024
- End date: 7 March 2025
- Minimum number of students: 5
- Maximum number of students: 15
- Concluding assessment: Yes
- Assessment type: Concept-proposal
- With Certificate: Yes, upon request
- Admission criteria: For non-GSSS PhDs, the teachers will assess the fit.
- Registration deadline: 4 weeks before the start of the course
- Schedule:
15 November, 09.00-12.00
13 December, 09.00-12.00
10 January, 09.00-12.00
7 February, 09.00-12.00
7 March, 09.00-12.00
- Available to: PhD candidates in the social sciences or related disciplines. Free of charge for VU, AISSR, and ZU PhD candidates.
-
Course Description & Study Characteristics
Course Description
Course objectives
The course aims to facilitate a proper start of the project and complements the regular PhD supervision. By the end of this course, the participants (1) have reviewed the existing literature on their research problem; (2) have discussed alternative theoretical approaches; (3) have developed the best research approach for their dissertation research; (4) have explored alternative research approaches; (5) have identified potential problems and disadvantages with their methodology, and resolved them as much as possible; (6) have considered the ethical dilemmas that may arise during their research, and have elaborated on this in an ethics statement; (6) have written a research plan or research proposal for their PhD dissertation conforming to quality standards as required by VU-GSSS.
Course content
The participants in this course develop a research proposal over the course of four meetings:
1. The participants develop a clear and concise problem statement, emphasizing its social-scientific relevance. Participants discuss the elements of a proposal and consider epistemological engagements.
2. The participants formulate and sharpen their research question. In addition, the participants review and discuss the existing literature and theory, describing the key issues, identifying the gaps, adding to theory, and criticizing shortcomings of previous research.
3. The participants develop the research approach and methodology. They consider the advantages and disadvantages of common research designs in the social sciences, as well as the validity and reliability of various methods. This meeting includes a discussion of ethical considerations, and how to effectively write about this in a proposal format.
4. The participants present their completed proposal and receive constructive comments in order to strengthen the proposal’s structure. This meeting includes a discussion of how reviewers will be assessing the proposals (proposal do’s and don’ts).
Study Characteristics
- Discipline: Social Sciences
- Language: English
- ECTS: 3
- Type of education: in class
- Academic skill: Proposal writing
- Graduate School: Graduate School of Social Sciences
- Start date: 15 November 2024
- End date: 7 March 2025
- Minimum number of students: 5
- Maximum number of students: 15
- Concluding assessment: Yes
- Assessment type: Concept-proposal
- With Certificate: Yes, upon request
- Admission criteria: For non-GSSS PhDs, the teachers will assess the fit.
- Registration deadline: 4 weeks before the start of the course
- Schedule:
15 November, 09.00-12.00
13 December, 09.00-12.00
10 January, 09.00-12.00
7 February, 09.00-12.00
7 March, 09.00-12.00
- Available to: PhD candidates in the social sciences or related disciplines. Free of charge for VU, AISSR, and ZU PhD candidates.