Postgraduate Handbook : A Comprehensive Guide for PhD and Master's Students and Their Supervisors.

Intro -- Contents -- Current Books of Interest -- Preface -- 1 Factors to Consider When Deciding to Obtain a Postgraduate Qualification -- Introduction -- Why consider obtaining a postgraduate qualification? -- Factors to consider when choosing a postgraduate qualification -- Time management -- 2 Philosophical Background of Knowledge and Some Adult Learning Theories: Simplification of the Terminology -- Introduction -- Metaphysics -- Ontology -- Cosmology -- Epistemology -- Axiology -- Research paradigms -- Research approaches -- Adult learning theories -- Characteristics of the learner -- 3 Postgraduate Programmes: Variety, Depth, Credits and Enrolment -- Introduction -- Honours degrees -- Master's degrees -- Master of Philosophy degrees -- Doctorate degrees -- Postgraduate diplomas and certificates -- Notional hours and credits -- Levels of academic programmes -- Requirements for enrolment into postgraduate studies -- 4 What is Research? Research Questions, Research Designs and Types of Variables -- Introduction: what is research? -- Research question and hypothesis -- Types of research -- Continuum of control in research -- Variables -- Types of variables -- 5 Reliability and Validity of Quantitative Research Instruments -- Introduction -- Types of reliability of quantitative instruments -- Types of validity of quantitative instruments -- Reliability and validity of quantitative instruments -- 6 Writing a Research Proposal: From Title Through Research Question and Conceptual Framework to Methodology -- Introduction -- Title -- Introduction -- Literature review -- Research methodology -- Ethical issues -- Budget -- Activity plan -- References -- Appendices (if applicable) -- 7 Postgraduate Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report: Different Formats and Flow From Title to Conclusion -- Introduction -- Terminology.

Formats of theses, dissertations and research reports -- Flow from topic to conclusion -- 8 Research Integrity: The Obvious and the Less Obvious Dimensions -- Introduction -- Obvious dimensions of research integrity -- Not so obvious dimensions of research integrity -- 9 Professional Doctorate Degrees: How Do They Differ From Conventional PhD Degrees? -- Introduction -- Definition of professional doctorate degree -- General structure of professional doctorate degrees -- Entry requirements -- Supervision -- Thesis formats -- Examination -- Potential challenges: completion rates and attrition risks -- 10 'Guys! Let Me Tell You About My PhD Supervisor': Postgraduate Supervision Practicalities and Approaches -- Introduction -- Case study: 'Guys, let me tell you about my supervisor' -- Discussion -- Student-supervisor relationships depicted by the case study -- Global increase in demand for postgraduates as economies become knowledge driven -- Developing knowledge and skills -- Effect of the quality of feedback on student-supervisor relationship -- Latent gender issues -- Dealing with emotional challenges in student-supervisor relationships -- Co-supervision -- Concluding remarks -- Index.

This single volume outlines the concepts and strategies that will greatly facilitate the successful completion of postgraduate studies and offers help and advice on research methods, data analysis techniques, writing skills and student-supervisor relationships. The author demystifies complex research concepts and methodologies by explaining them in simple terms and making them understandable to students and novice researchers. The manual is an invaluable guide to postgraduate studies and provides an in-depth explanation of the methodologies, philosophical basis and concepts that underpin postgraduate research. This manual is essential reading for all PhD students, master's degree students and others pursuing a postgraduate qualification. It is also recommended for supervisors and is an indispensable guide for anyone contemplating postgraduate studies.

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Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2024. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.