How hard is it to do original work in a summer dissertation

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of conducting original work at the level of a taught masters in the UK. It is suggested that the first step is to identify a niche area and research what has already been published on the topic. The difficulty of original work is debated, with some students opting for a literature review instead. It is also noted that projects involving programming may be easier to create original work in due to the creativity involved. The role of an advisor is also mentioned and it is suggested that having an advisor with an idea ready may make it easier to execute original work.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,254
11
..in a taught masters (UK).

My undergrad project was a literature review on general relativity
The topic of my project this summer (3 months) will be modified theories of gravity & cosmology.

How do you go about doing some original work at this level?
- would the first step be to identify a very niche area and try to identify what has or hasn't been said on this in published articles
- Is it hard to do, do most students tend to do a literature review or original work? (would something like a project involving programming easier to do original work since it's a lot more creative and many ways to approach, compared to something like modified theories of gravity ?)
- I guess any sort of derivation that has not been done before, would class as original, but the significance of what is found here, would be a different question entirely?

many thanks
 
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  • #2
Isn't there supposed to be an advisor?
 
  • #3
Coming up with an original idea is harder than executing one if your adviser has one primed and ready to go that is a good match for your skills.
 

1. How much time does it typically take to complete an original summer dissertation?

There is no set amount of time as it depends on the individual and the topic of research. However, generally it can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to complete a summer dissertation.

2. How difficult is it to come up with an original research idea for a summer dissertation?

Generating an original research idea can be challenging, but it ultimately depends on the individual's creativity and critical thinking skills. It's important to thoroughly research existing literature and identify gaps in knowledge to help guide the development of a unique research idea.

3. Can a summer dissertation lead to a published paper or further research opportunities?

Yes, a well-executed summer dissertation can lead to a published paper or further research opportunities. It is important to have a clear research question, methodology, and results that contribute to the existing body of knowledge in order to have potential for publication or further research opportunities.

4. How much support and guidance can I expect while working on an original summer dissertation?

This depends on the specific program or institution offering the summer dissertation. Some may provide more structured support and guidance, while others may allow more independence. It is important to communicate with your advisor or supervisor to discuss expectations and support throughout the research process.

5. Is it common for summer dissertations to result in groundbreaking findings or discoveries?

While it is possible for a summer dissertation to lead to groundbreaking findings or discoveries, this is not always the case. The purpose of a summer dissertation is to provide students with an opportunity to gain research experience and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their field. It is important to have realistic expectations and goals for the research project.

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