The tutorial was very helpful in defining my next steps and refining my work. During the session, I received detailed and constructive feedback on my research project, which has helped me focus and improve it significantly.
Refining the Research Question
Nigel pointed out that my original research question leaned too much into speculative territory by suggesting people may eventually identify exclusively with their digital selves. To keep my research grounded in evidence, I revised the question to focus more broadly on how immersion in virtual environments and digital technologies influences an individual’s construction and perception of identity. This refinement keeps the scope manageable and researchable without making unsupported predictions.
Chapter Structure and Content Adjustments
The feedback advised me to remove speculative content from Chapter 6 and rename it to “Emerging Trends in Digital Identity and Selfhood,” which allows me to discuss current academic perspectives and observed developments without projecting too far into the future.
Improving Literature Review and Academic Context
Nigel emphasized expanding my literature review to cover broader academic theories, including identity theory, digital embodiment, social media’s role in self-presentation, and mental health impacts. This expansion will strengthen the foundation of my research by situating it within a wider scholarly conversation.
Reducing Direct Quotes and Enhancing Paraphrasing
One significant point was the high similarity score caused by too many direct quotations. Nigel recommended paraphrasing more to demonstrate critical understanding and provide more concise synthesis of sources. I will also focus on extracting key ideas rather than long quotations to keep the text flowing and original.
Clarifying Methodology
Another important area is methodology. Nigel advised me to clearly articulate that my research will be theoretical and literature-based, using critical and thematic analysis methods to interpret the findings from secondary sources. This clarity will help in structuring my approach and ensuring academic rigor.
Next Steps
Moving forward, I will:
- Further refine and finalize my research question.
- Expand and deepen my literature review with a wider range of academic sources.
- Paraphrase existing literature more effectively to reduce similarity scores.
- Rework Chapter 6 to focus on current trends rather than speculative futures.
- Clearly define my research methodology in my proposal.
- Add brief concluding sentences at the end of each chapter section to connect the content back to my research question.