In Week 11 of Advanced 3D Computer Animation, Professor Nigel Mairs suggested focus on understanding the structure and overall schedule for developing the thesis proposal for this unit. This session introduced the main components required for the final thesis and proposal, including the research question, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, chapter structure, conclusion, references, and bibliography. I explored how each section connects together and supports the overall research investigation.
Step 1: Understanding the Proposal Structure
I learned that the main purpose of a research proposal is to clearly explain the intention of the research and demonstrate why the topic is relevant within the field. The session also explained how research should either fill a gap in existing knowledge, support existing discussions, or contribute something original to the academic field. This helped me better understand the direction and purpose behind my own research topic on player generated avatars and digital ownership.
Step 2: Supporting the Literature Review
I also studied how the literature review functions as a supporting structure within the proposal by identifying important sources, explaining their relevance, and analysing existing arguments around the topic. Alongside this, I reviewed the recommended structure for organising the proposal, including keyword searches, draft chapters, methodology outlines, and bibliography development.
During this week, I started planning how my previous literature review could develop further into a full proposal. I began refining the structure of my topic and considered how my research question, legal case studies, and platform analysis could fit into the final thesis framework. This session gave me a clearer understanding of how the research proposal should function academically and how each section contributes toward building a complete study.