Exploring the potential of a writing group to encourage academic staff and postgraduate students to publish
dc.contributor.advisor | Mason-Whitehead, Elizabeth | en |
dc.contributor.author | Keen, Adam | * |
dc.date.accessioned | 2009-10-26T09:16:48Z | |
dc.date.available | 2009-10-26T09:16:48Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2005-11 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10034/84834 | |
dc.description.abstract | The aim of this research dissertation is to explore the potential of a writing group to encourage post graduate students and academic members of staff to publish. Writing for publication is identified as a desirable, if not essential, element of personal and organisational development. A triangulated survey is presented based on the interpretivist research paradigm. The methods used included a self administered questionnaire which provided quantitative and qualitative data. The design of this instrument was informed by the use of focus groups. In addition, five semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis for the quantitative element of the study was based on the provision of descriptive statistics and non-parametric comparisons. Microanalysis and axial coding as described by Strauss & Corbin (1998) were applied to qualitative data sources, in order to identify data categories and their associated properties. Triangulation was based on the notion of data completeness as opposed to data confirmation. The results of the study show that writing groups have a significant potential to encourage those interested in writing for publication. However, the concepts of motivation and time have a major impact on those expressing an interest in becoming involved in writing for publication. It is therefore concluded that writing groups do not represent a panacea, but rather should be implemented as one of many support strategies used. | |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.publisher | University College Chester | en |
dc.subject | writing group | en |
dc.title | Exploring the potential of a writing group to encourage academic staff and postgraduate students to publish | en |
dc.type | Thesis or dissertation | en |
dc.publisher.department | University of Liverpool (University College Chester) | en |
dc.type.qualificationname | MEd | en |
dc.type.qualificationlevel | Masters Degree | en |
html.description.abstract | The aim of this research dissertation is to explore the potential of a writing group to encourage post graduate students and academic members of staff to publish. Writing for publication is identified as a desirable, if not essential, element of personal and organisational development. A triangulated survey is presented based on the interpretivist research paradigm. The methods used included a self administered questionnaire which provided quantitative and qualitative data. The design of this instrument was informed by the use of focus groups. In addition, five semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis for the quantitative element of the study was based on the provision of descriptive statistics and non-parametric comparisons. Microanalysis and axial coding as described by Strauss & Corbin (1998) were applied to qualitative data sources, in order to identify data categories and their associated properties. Triangulation was based on the notion of data completeness as opposed to data confirmation. The results of the study show that writing groups have a significant potential to encourage those interested in writing for publication. However, the concepts of motivation and time have a major impact on those expressing an interest in becoming involved in writing for publication. It is therefore concluded that writing groups do not represent a panacea, but rather should be implemented as one of many support strategies used. |