Lesson 7.4: Completing and Referencing the Study

Introduction

In this lesson, students, we will focus on the crucial steps of completing and referencing your independent contextual investigation. By the end of this lesson, you will be equipped to revise your full draft for clarity and argument strength, correctly format Harvard references, create an image list, and ensure your work meets the prescribed standards. This lesson is an essential part of preparing your study for submission and presentation, ensuring that you can defend your findings effectively.

Learning Objectives

Revise the full draft for argument, evidence, and clarity.
Complete accurate Harvard references and compile an image list.
Finalize editing, proofreading, and presentation to standard.
Verify that the study aligns with its original question and brief.
Transform an extended investigation into a polished final piece.

Revising the Full Draft

Revising your draft is a crucial step in the writing process that helps refine your ideas and improve the overall quality of your work. Here are five key aspects to focus on during your revision:

Argument Structure: Ensure your main argument is clear, logically structured, and directly addresses the research question. Each section should transition smoothly into the next.

Example: If your study question is, "How has digital technology influenced contemporary art practices?" make certain that each paragraph contributes to answering this question, highlighting specific examples and contrasting viewpoints.

Evidence Support: Evaluate the evidence presented in your study. Each claim should be substantiated with reliable sources, appropriate examples, and analysis.

Example: If you cite a piece of contemporary art, ensure that you not only describe it but also discuss its relevance to your argument. For instance, discussing how the work of an artist such as Damien Hirst illustrates a shift in methodologies due to digital technology can strengthen your argument.

Clarity of Expression: Aim for clear, concise, and articulate writing. Avoid jargon unless you define it. Consider your audience; they should understand your arguments without needing additional context.

Common Misconception: Some might believe that complex language elevates their work. In reality, clarity is key to effective communication.

Cohesion and Coherence: Your work should flow logically. Check that paragraphs connect and that there’s a thread linking the entire study.
Feedback Incorporation: If you’ve shared drafts with peers or mentors, carefully consider their feedback. Look for common themes in the critiques, and incorporate constructive suggestions.

Example Revision Process

Let’s go through a small example of revising a section of text. Assume your original text reads:

"Digital technology has changed art. Many artists now use it. They create in different ways."

Revised Version:

"Digital technology has profoundly transformed contemporary art practices, enabling artists to explore innovative creative methodologies. For instance, the integration of digital tools allows artists to manipulate imagery in ways previously unattainable, fostering new forms of expression and interaction with viewers."

Completing Accurate Harvard References

Referencing is essential to academic writing, providing recognition to the original authors of the works you cite and supporting your claims. The Harvard referencing style is widely used in the arts and humanities. Below are the steps to ensure your references are accurate:

Basic Structure of a Harvard Reference

Books: Author(s) Last name, Initial(s). (Year). Title of book. Publisher.

Example: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Contemporary Art. Art Publishing.

Journal Articles: Author(s) Last name, Initial(s). (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range.

Example: Doe, A. (2019). Digital practices in modern art. Journal of Contemporary Art, 15(3), 45-67.

Web Pages: Author(s) Last name, Initial(s). (Year). Title of web page. Site Name. Available at: URL (Accessed: Date).

Example: Green, R. (2021). The impact of social media on art. Art Online. Available at: http://www.artonline.com/social-media (Accessed: 12 October 2023).

Image Lists

When you include images in your study, it is critical to present them correctly. An image list provides clarity and assists the reader in understanding the visual references. Here is how to format an image list:

Figure Number: A unique identifier for each image (e.g., Figure 1).
Description: A brief description of the image content or significance.
Source: Where the image was sourced from, including creator credit if applicable.

Example of an Image List Entry

Figure 1: The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991) by Damien Hirst. Image sourced from: Art Institute of Chicago.

Final Editing and Proofreading

Once you have revised the content and completed your references, it's time for final editing and proofreading. This step ensures your work is polished and professionally presented:

Editing for Style: Check for consistency in tone and style throughout your study. Make sure terminology is used correctly and consistently.
Grammar and Spelling: Use spell check and grammar checking tools, but also read through the text carefully to catch errors those tools might miss.
Formatting: Ensure your formatting aligns with guidelines. This includes margins, font size, line spacing, and headings.
Presentation: If you're submitting a printed copy, consider binding and cover options that reflect the professionalism of your work.

Checking the Study Against the Question and Brief

Before submission, evaluate your study against the original research question and the assignment brief:

Alignment: Does your investigation fully address the research question proposed at the outset?
Objectives Fulfillment: Have you met all the requirements laid out in your brief?
Refinement: If any areas seem to stray from your focus, refine them to ensure clarity and relevance.

Revising an Extended Investigation into a Finished Piece

The transformation from draft to finished piece involves distilling your findings and insights into a cohesive narrative:

Begin with a strong introduction that outlines your research question and objectives.
Follow with a literature review where you contextualize your investigation within existing discourse.
Present your findings in a clear, logical progression, ensuring each section connects back to your research question.
Conclude by summarizing key insights and suggesting potential areas for future research.

Conclusion

In this lesson, students, you have learned the essential steps for completing and referencing your independent contextual investigation. By revising your draft for clarity, structuring and formatting your references correctly, and ensuring a polished final presentation, you are preparing yourself for the realities of academic writing in higher education. Remember, the quality and rigor of your research is key to your success in securing a solid foundation for future studies.

Study Notes

Revise for argument strength, support, and clarity throughout the draft.
Use Harvard referencing format for books, articles, and web pages.
Compile an accurate image list for any visual references.
Conduct final editing focusing on style, grammar, and presentation.
Ensure work aligns with the research question and brief requirements.