This time we are looking at developing confidence in how you present your ideas. Do you find yourself adding lengthy justifications for each methodological choice? Do you feel the need to give extensive reasons for the theoretical foundations of your research exercise? While both are important, maybe more than one paragraph for each might be unnecessary and repetitive. On the other hand, what’s the value in claiming something is “widely accepted in the field” if you don’t explain why it’s popular? A balance of concise reasoning without the marketing hype is recommended.
How do you justify your ideas well?
Some researchers are disappointed with their results but forced to publish anyway (or submit a thesis). In these cases, people tend to emphasise the rigour of their approach and processes. While this is perfectly human, there’s no need to repeatedly explain how hard you tried. Instead consider stepping out of your comfortable and familiar shoes. Look for more possible reasons for your unpredicted results. Lateral thinking is very liberating, especially when mixed with some intuition. It shows your critical and analytical approach.
You might be sick of hearing about how to “tell the story of your research.” What I want to emphasise here is this: don’t forget to highlight the value of your novel discoveries. Researchers are trained to be cautious. A common approach in the conclusion is to list these findings’ applicability to various other subfields of research, which is fairly simplistic. What’s more effective and convincing is to really reflect on the research contribution and write with the strength of your own convictions.
Be confident of your research contributions
Also, a statement of your study’s limitations and possible future research avenues is essential. But let’s not just use a deficit model. Don’t just suggest research possibilities that arise from your own study’s shortcomings. How does what you found open up new avenues to explore? You did the work. Now promote why it is important. Be very positive about your research’s intrinsic innovativeness and benefits.
Believe in yourself.