to have a masters research topic linked to a previous project? (TW to do with sexual assault)

[sweetbirdofjuice]

Hi all

Hope you don't mind me running an academic AIBU past you!

I am doing a masters and have (due to work) left a research proposal until the very last minute.

I need to pick a topic and get on with it. I am interested in putting together a question on the social effects on male sexual assault victims and the stigma involved, and what care they need (not very well put but to give you a rough idea).

Trouble is, a previous assignment (which I got a decent mark in) focused on sexual health and stigma as a reason for some people (in part men who have sex with men) not accessing services.

Would anyone have any ideas on whether having a thematically linked topic such as this would be ok?

I am interested in the area, I would like eventually to practice medicine in sexual health. Or, would it show a lack of imagination/ creative thinking? I'm not even sure it will be the same person marking it.

I am not proud to say that i have left it too late to ask course leaders.

My brain is fried from working on covid (I'm not a medic yet so not front line or anything) I can't think straight after a horrible day involving a disciplinary for a member of my team and I just need to get this proposal done.

Would you say this would be a reasonable topic to pursue in light of the similarity (male sexual health, stigma) or should I go for something totally different from previous work for a masters?

It wouldn't be a question of recycling previous research.

YABU- too similar
YANBU- not too similar

Thanks.

I would be too scared of accidentally self-plagerising, especially with the literature review.

Is it your dissertation? I don't think its too late to talk to your supervisor, I'm talking to mine atm.

I don't know what it's like in the sciences but in humanities (I studied history) plenty of people did their MA in a particular field and then their PhD was just a more detailed drilled down research topic in the same area. For example, MA in the history of medicine, PhD in the role of psychiatry in the social history of 17th century France.
So it would make sense to me that you continue in a similar area of research. But like I say, I'm coming from humanities, I may be giving dud advice for science.

thanks camomila well the proposal can be used for my dissertation but is an assignment in itself so if I get going and hate the topic, I'm not stuck with it, I would just have to write another proposal if that makes sense. good point about self plagiarism- hopefully I think there wouldn't be too much crossover as last time most of my sources were on STD related stigma.

Just looked online and there's nobody there 😬 I don't have a personal number for anyone.

Hi Cat this is kind of what I'm thinking, remaining in a similar area would show interest in a general area and I'm hoping the staff will see that as a positive or neutral rather than preferring to see breadth of interest. Argh.

I think you’d be fine to be honest. Most Masters modules don’t cross reference with each other (where I teach, anyway). And you are aware of self plagiarism, which is the big risk. Is it just a proposal, not actually running the research? Because getting ethics for sensitive subject questionnaires or interviews takes a long while.

I'm a lecturer and supervise MSc dissertations (also in sexual health) and I would say that is absolutely fine. I would encourage students to select a topic they are familiar with and would be passionate enough about to stick with it through the process (which can be tedious). I think the bigger question is, is there enough information out there for you to have something to write about? I'm assuming you would be doing a literature review? And also has anyone else published something similar? If so, could you take a slightly different spin on it to justify your topic?

I don't think its a problem, my undergrad, MA and PhD are broadly on a theme, its never been an issue and its only ever been commented on in a positive way. I was always careful to cite my own previous work(s) and was clear in my introduction/methodology about my relationship with the topic prior to starting that particular piece of research.

thanks all.

Mindutopia yes there's not a huge amount to go on already out there, it would likely involve a fair bit of primary research which, as Missmatchedclaws says, could be a bit problematic re ethics and practicalities.

I think i am going to ask for an extension and go back to the drawing board tomorrow (they're pretty amenable with extensions at the minute).

My backup plan is looking into the mental health effects of working from home during covid.

It isn't quite as close to my heart but to be honest, whilst sexual health interests me hugely, I have such a lot on this year that I am quite tempted to go with a simpler option and get this masters over with.