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to take you through the research process from

start to completion, with Theme 1 focusing on

the beginning of the research process through to

Theme 10 on submission and review. However,

please remember that, in doing a research

project, there is no single correct order in which

to do things and sometimes the process can

feel quite cyclical. Each theme starts with a brief

introduction and is followed by five pieces of

content based on the theme, where some key

issues, theories and helpful approaches are

introduced. There are also a number of practical

activities and some space for writing your

reflections. Towards the end of each theme there

is a larger activity to carry out to help you to

cement your understanding further.

Based on feedback received and on my own

work, students often need help to understand

what a research journal might look like. Part 1

contains extracts from Alex’s journal, a student

who is carrying out a project on single-use plastic

and its effects on the environment. These journal

extracts serve two purposes: to show how the

student’s understanding develops through the use

of journal writing and to give an example of what

a research journal might look like. However, any

research journal is very much an individual thing,

so remember that you will need to develop your

own style of reflective writing. This means resisting

the temptation to follow this example too closely,

assuming that because it is in this book this is how

you should do it. Each theme concludes with a

top tip to help you succeed in your studies or a

case study example.

Part 2 focuses on your own particular research

project; it is more personal to you and is

structured in seven sections around a series of

key questions for you to reflect on in relation

to your own work. Many students struggle

with moving from the generalities of a research

methods module to applying what they have

learned to their own project, and this section is

designed to help you to do this. The questions

in Part 2 will help you as you work through the

research process and will provide an important

record that you can return to when you get to

the writing-up stage. There are more top tips and

case studies here too. At the end of the journal

you will find a list of references.

I hope that you find The Research Journal

helpful at this vital stage of your academic

development. Good luck and here’s to your

successful graduation!