what is originality?. todays session will include… 1. some definitions of originality 2....
TRANSCRIPT
What is originality?
Today’s session will include…
1. Some definitions of originality
2. Developing originality3. Expression of originality
But first I want to consider…
… why does originality matter?
Criteria for the award of M. Phil.
12.3 The thesis embodying the results of the research shall demonstrate evidence of originality, at least in the exercise of an independent critical faculty, and shall achieve a high standard of competence in argument and presentation.
p.28 Postgraduate Handbook, Lancaster University 2003/2004
Criteria for the award of the degree of Ph.D.
13.3 The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis which makes an original contribution to knowledge and the completed thesis must contain material of a standard appropriate for scholarly publication. (p. 30 Postgraduate Handbook, Lancaster
University 2003/4)
1. Definitions?
One version of originality is…
Something that no-one else has done
This version can be alarming
It is sometimes taken as implying extremely high levels of innovationCan be interpreted as meaning every bit of a thesis has to be entirely innovativeFeels like it means that you have to be a genius who is redefining the field in which you are working
“Something that no-one else has done”
Most importantly, this definition is too general for you as an author to work withit is not specific enough to be implemented or translated into planned action as a researcher
Plus – it is a definition which forgets the context for
originality
Grix (2001) says that a ‘substantial contribution to knowledge’ means “…you must have produced original research on a given topic and embedded it firmly in the ‘received wisdom’ of a particular field…” (p. 108)
Demystifying Postgraduate Research. University of Birmingham Press: Birmingham.
Useful definitions
Are more specificCan be translated into actionDepend on context
Some versions of originality
Fresh dataCritical appraisal of previous workNew research design /and methodology for research
New analysis and new outcomes from existing dataFresh theoretical interpretationsNew analysis and new outcomes from new data
Some more versions of originality
To extend, qualify, elaborate, gainsay existing workNew argumentsNew ideasNew theoretical accounts of existing data
Sophisticated methodsOriginal interpretation of phenomenon/aApplying existing ideas to new area of studyNew facts
Yet more ways of being original…
CreativeNew insightsDistinct individuality – in painting, in sculpture, musical composition or literary output
ImaginativeNew theory arising from new dataCompetent analysis of new data in terms of existing theoryBeing publishable
Development of originality?
ProcessTimeReflection & thoughtCreativityLooking back over workWriting, discussion & practicePlanning – e.g. research designReading
Fostering CreativityWalkingmeditating/yogaTV, music, radiocookingunbooked timedaydreamingreflecting
Fostering creativity
Mind mapsnotepadsdaily writingresearch journalthinking timeconversation - including with your reading
Expression of Originality?
Phillips, E.M. & D.S. Pughon expressing originality
“The spelling out of your contribution is the final element in the PhD form. It is concerned with your evaluation of the importance of your thesis to the development of the discipline. It is here that you underline the significance of your analysis, point out the limitations in your material, suggest what new work is now appropriate, and so on.” (p.55)How to Get a Ph.D. (1987) Open Uni. Press
Dunleavy warns against overstating one’s originality…
And reminds of the need to balance innovation against
the subject context
He suggests thinking of your contribution as ‘value-added’ to the
field of study“Focusing on your own ‘value added’ means keeping a critical eye on the extent to which you have transformed or enhanced or differentiated the starting materials of your analysis. Then tailor your claiming behaviour to fit closely with that. It also means retaining a strong relational patterns of argument in which you appropriately acknowledge the extent to which you draw on the existing literature.” (p. 31)
HomeworkWhere is the originality in your work?Identify and recordWriting and development