I'm stumped. At the dead fucking end. I'm hoping that one of these days a research question complete with a testable hypothesis will fall down from heaven onto my eternally grateful lap. Yes, it is regarding my research paper.
Technically, I'm not actually stumped. My main problem--in fact, my only one--is to find a research question I can run with and a hypothesis I can prove. Whenever I find a compelling research question, something has had to happen.
My original intent was to do a comparative study of the European Union (EU) and ASEAN in terms of the free movement of people, but then I ditched the plan after I realized that economic integration has to come first before any comprehensive region-wide social policy can take place. Since political economy is not really my cup of tea, the research question is definitely out of question.
Later, I had a bright idea of doing a research on monetary union. Can ASEAN adopt a common currency akin to Euro for EU? Then it struck me. Monetary policy equals macro-economics equals political economy. Out went the research question. I don't mind political economy at all; but, if I am to do a major research paper, it better be something I'm passionate about, and economics just doesn't rock my intellectual boat. I know enough--at least I thought I do--about economics to deepen my understanding of the world of politics but to do bulk of my research in the context of macroeconomics is a wee bit too much. Adding insult to injury, a research paper of the same topic and substance has already existed--some guy at Stanford wrote a paper on the topic complete with some fancy econometric model and analyses. Pompous Ivy showboat!
After talking to my research advisor, Dr. John, yesterday, I will most definitely do my research either from social (demographic, geographic etc) or historical perpective. Minimal amount of economics and more sociological, historical, geographical, and anthropological, which are all up my alley.
Now it's back to the most formidable task of all: coming up with a research question and formulating a testable hypothesis. The research proposal is due next Wednesday, so I have to at least come up with both the question and hypothesis this weekend. Moreover, it's not just a simple matter of finding a question and devising a hypothesis. I will also need to make sure that there is a preponderance of research materials and sources I can utilize at my disposal. A great hypothesis is rendered meaningless without any credible and substantive support.
Okay, can somebody please donate to me a research question and hypothesis? I'd be eternally indebted to your kindness and generosity!
4 comments:
haha...see what mess you've got your self into....orang suruh jadi waiter tak nak..hahahahah....it's still not too late...come join me at waiter school in florida...haha
syahril...
tu la.. menyesal lak study poli sci ni.. kalau belajar jadi waiter tak yah nak pikir benda2 ni semua.. so, how do you like your steak done, sir? rentung macam bontot kuali atau merah macam bontot baboon kat zoo negara..
economics just doesn't rock my intellectual boat. ----> Do I detect a hint of sour note right there? Does it really, or maybe perhaps, you failed it when you were younger and had passionate expectations about that subject?
Long time no See, keep in touch :) Rocket Queen
As a matter of fact, I did pretty good in all of my economics class, including home-economics, where I learned the virtues of masak-memasak, mengemas rumah, membasuh kain-baju, tukar lampin anak, cebok bontot anak dll. Anyway, how the hell have you been? You seem awfully quiet for such a mak nenek!
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