Lesson Report:
# **Lesson Report**
### **Title: Data Collection and Primary vs. Secondary Sources**
**Synopsis:**
In this session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of data collection, with a focus on the requirements for their senior thesis chapters on data collection and data analysis. The lesson covered the distinction between primary and secondary sources, strategies for collecting research data, and writing expectations for chapters two and three. Additionally, the instructor addressed common mistakes in operationalization maps and provided guidance on revising them. The session concluded with a discussion on the thesis defense process and state exams.
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### **Attendance:**
– Elina – Absent
– Noatve – Absent
– Yusa – Unconfirmed absence
– Three unexcused absences result in an automatic “F”
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### **Topics Covered:**
#### **1. Course & Assignment Announcements**
– Reminder of the **first major submission deadline on March 7th** (due in four weeks).
– Submission includes **chapters two and three of the thesis** (data collection & data analysis).
– Operationalization maps were reviewed, and corrections were needed.
– Issues: Lack of citations, missing indicators, or superficial data sources.
– **One additional week granted** for revisions. If citations are absent, the assignment will not be accepted.
#### **2. Overview of Data Collection**
– The class transitioned from introductory thesis material to the **core research process**.
– Discussion on the role of **primary and secondary sources** in qualitative research.
#### **3. Primary vs. Secondary Sources**
– **Primary sources:** First-hand materials providing direct evidence.
– Examples: Government policies, white papers, legislation, executive orders, speeches, treaties, news articles, archival records, interviews, and surveys.
– Primary sources provide **original data** and serve as direct evidence.
– **Secondary sources:** Analyze, summarize, or interpret primary sources.
– Examples: Journal articles, books, policy analyses, op-ed publications, research reports.
– Secondary sources provide **context, analysis, and interpretation**.
– **Utilization Strategy:**
– Begin by reviewing **journal articles** and identifying their data collection methods.
– Extract useful primary sources from their reference sections.
#### **4. Data Collection Process**
– **Chapter 2 (Data Collection) Expectations:**
– Describe **which methods were used to gather data** (interviews, surveys, policy analysis).
– Explain **source selection** criteria.
– Discuss **sampling techniques** (i.e., how unnecessary data is filtered out).
– Address **ethical considerations**, including IRB approval for human-related research.
– Identify **challenges and limitations** faced during research.
– **Chapter 3 (Data Analysis) Expectations:**
– Discussion on **how data was processed, interpreted, and analyzed**.
– Explain **tools and techniques** used for analysis.
– Connect findings to **theoretical frameworks and research objectives**.
#### **5. Thesis Defense & State Exam Discussion**
– **Thesis Defense:**
– Final submission is **April 30**; defense occurs in May.
– Defense involves **a panel of AUCA faculty and OSCE members** questioning students.
– Students must justify research decisions and demonstrate full understanding of their thesis.
– Presentation: **10 minutes, followed by Q&A session** with panelists.
– **State Exam:**
– Separate from the thesis defense.
– Written in-class essay **on an international relations topic**.
– Requires **strong essay structure** and **engagement with IR theories**.
– Last year’s results were weak; students urged to improve writing skills.
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### **Actionable Items:**
#### **Urgent:**
– **Revise operationalization maps** (due in one week). Ensure proper citations and clear indicators.
– **Check IRB deadlines** for those conducting interviews (some may require full approval).
#### **Upcoming Deadlines:**
– **March 7:** Submission of thesis **Chapters 2 and 3**.
#### **Long-Term Preparation:**
– **Prepare for Thesis Defense:**
– Be ready to **justify research methods and findings**.
– Panelists may challenge methodological choices and research gaps.
– **State Exam Preparation:**
– Focus on **essay structure** and IR theories.
– If unclear on past topics, request examples from faculty.
#### **Miscellaneous:**
– Instructor to confirm **state exam preparations** and clarify expectations with Professor Atsinger.
– Students should revisit their **syllabus and senior thesis guidelines** to ensure full compliance with academic requirements.
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This report provides a detailed review of the session and guidance for upcoming tasks. Let me know if any modifications are needed! 🚀
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Revision of Operationalization Maps
As part of your ongoing thesis development, you need to refine and complete your operationalization maps. This task is essential in ensuring that your research framework is clear and well-organized, particularly in defining your data collection methodology and sources.
Instructions:
1. Review your previously submitted operationalization map. Pay close attention to the comments and feedback provided.
2. Identify any missing citations in your assignment. If your submitted map contained no citations at all, you must add them before resubmitting.
3. Ensure that your indicators column contains specific details about the data sources you plan to rely on. Avoid listing broad organizations (e.g., “UN” or “UNDIP”) without specifying what exact data from these organizations you will analyze.
4. If your indicators column only lists general data sources (without specific indicators), refine it to include measurable elements relevant to your research question.
5. Update your operationalization map with these corrections and additions.
6. Submit your revised operationalization map within one week. Failure to provide proper citations or indicators may result in your assignment not being accepted.
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ASSIGNMENT #2: First Major Thesis Submission (Chapters 2 & 3)
This assignment requires you to submit the drafts of Chapters 2 and 3 of your thesis, which focus on data collection and data analysis. This is a crucial stage in your research, as it lays the foundation for your data-driven arguments and findings.
Instructions:
1. **Chapter 2 – Data Collection:**
– Introduce the purpose of this chapter and how data collection aligns with your research objectives.
– Describe your research design, including whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods. Provide justifications for why you chose these methods.
– List and describe your primary data sources (e.g., government documents, interviews, surveys, official statements, statistics).
– List and describe your secondary data sources, explaining how they support your research question.
– Detail your sampling methodology, explaining how you selected relevant data and filtered out unnecessary information. Ensure that you justify your choices.
– Explain the data collection techniques you utilized (e.g., interviews, surveys, archival research), including the tools and software used.
– Outline ethical considerations, especially if you are conducting primary research with human participants. If applicable, reference your IRB application process.
– Discuss potential challenges and limitations you faced in data collection and how you mitigated them.
2. **Chapter 3 – Data Analysis:**
– Explain how you interpreted and processed the data collected in Chapter 2 to derive meaningful conclusions.
– Describe the methods of data analysis utilized (quantitative statistical methods, qualitative coding methods, content analysis, etc.).
– Clarify how your analysis addresses your research question and contributes to the scholarly discussion.
– Connect your data analysis to your theoretical framework, demonstrating how it supports or challenges existing academic perspectives.
3. Your submission must be approximately **2,000 words in total** (around 1,000 words per chapter).
4. Ensure that your document is formatted according to academic standards (Times New Roman, 12-point font, properly referenced).
5. Submit your draft by **March 7th**. Late submissions may not be accepted.
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These assignments are a critical step in your thesis development, ensuring that your research is rigorous, well-documented, and methodologically sound. Please follow the provided instructions carefully to stay on track for your final defense.