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Where, oh where, is my golden thread?

In: How to Keep Your Research Project on Track

Author

Listed:
  • Vivienne Spooner
  • Helena Barnard

Abstract

The golden thread is a metaphor that refers to the internal coherence of research. The golden thread can break in many ways, and at many points during the research process. This means that checking the internal coherence is an ongoing practice during doctoral research. Because the quality of a thesis is judged on what it communicates rather than the intellectual process preceding it, a strong golden thread helps the reader to follow the logic of the research. Additionally, research findings may reveal puzzling or unexpected insights which require a rework of the thesis in sometimes quite fundamental ways to maintain the golden thread. However, findings may not be changed, even if they reveal unexpected elements that threaten the golden thread. In this chapter we draw on lessons from two quantitative and two qualitative doctoral research projects where researchers encountered unanticipated findings to show how they maintained the golden thread.

Suggested Citation

  • Vivienne Spooner & Helena Barnard, 2024. "Where, oh where, is my golden thread?," Chapters, in: Keith Townsend & Mark N. Saunders (ed.), How to Keep Your Research Project on Track, chapter 23, pages 143-151, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:23326_23
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035332724.00031
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