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ANALYSIS OF KEY STEPS TO PREPARE SYNOPSIS OF A LEGAL RESEARCH PROBLEM
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ANALYSIS OF KEY STEPS TO PREPARE
SYNOPSIS OF A LEGAL RESEARCH PROBLEM
AUTHORED BY
- MS. PRIYANKA CHOUDHARY*
ABSTRACT
This abstract encapsulates a
comprehensive synopsis focusing on the identification of a viable research
topic and an effective strategic approach. It provides a succinct overview of
the existing knowledge within the research domain while highlighting the evident
gaps that have propelled this study forward. The delineation of research
objectives and the strategic methodology employed to accomplish these
objectives form a form a pivotal part of this summary. Moreover, this abstract
underscore the significant contributions of the research endeavor and presents
pivotal conclusions drawn from the study. Emphasizing brevity and clarity, the
abstract avoids redundancy and repetition while providing sufficient details to
manifest a well-structured plan for research, reflective of its acceptable
academic merit pivotal part of this summary. Moreover, this abstract
underscores the significant contributions of the research endeavor and presents
pivotal conclusions drawn from the study. Emphasizing brevity and clarity, the
abstract avoids redundancy and repetition while providing sufficient details to
manifest a well-structured plan for research, reflective of its acceptable
academic merit.
Key Words: Research, Synopsis,
synopsis structure.
I.
INTRODUCTION:
A research report in the field of law
may be compared with the final writing of judgement by the Judges.[1] Report
writing is the most important part of research work. The work is incomplete
until the report of the labour put in is reduced into writing with a view to
communicate others. It includes the purpose, the importance, the limitations,
the procedure, the findings and the conclusion of the study. [2]
When we get a research assignment, we
might be tempted to begin the assignment by going directly to the library to
see what authority we can find. In fact, searching for authority right away is
not the best way to start. Thought and planning, before we head for library,
help us in several ways. Research can be done more efficiently if we have a coherent
research plan to follow and such research will be more accurate. Searching
haphazardly can cause to miss important authorities, and nothing is more
disconcerting than feeling as though you came across relevant authority by
accident. Following an organized plan will help ensure that you can check all
the appropriate places for authority on your issue and will give you confidence
that your research is correct and complete.[3]
Furthermore, it is essential for any
reader of a research report to be sufficiently informed about the study’s
details, enabling them to contextualize it within the broader scientific
framework, assess the appropriateness of its methodologies, and consequently,
develop a perspective on the credibility of the findings. This underscores the
necessity of structuring the report appropriately. The layout of the report
refers to the essential components that a research report should encompass.[4]
The term synopsis, according to
Black’s Law Dictionary means a brief or partial survey, a summary or an outline.[5]
The structure of outlines can differ
based on the investigator's individual preferences. Nevertheless, there is a
consensus within the scientific community that all proposals should include, at
a minimum: the problem statement with its rationale, both general and specific
objectives, a section dedicated to methodology, the proposed analysis plan, and
details regarding the schedule and budget.[6]
A research proposal, regardless of
the field, encompassing natural sciences, social sciences, languages, medicine,
or engineering, should comprise fundamental elements that address specific
inquiries. These include: the rationale for conducting research on the chosen
topic and the anticipated benefits, a review of previous work in this or
related fields, and a delineation of the study's objectives and the methods
proposed to accomplish them.
This research piece provides
guidelines for preparing a research synopsis. The research synopsis is the plan
for a research project. It provides the rationale for the research, the research
objectives, the proposed methods for data collection and recording formats
and/or questionnaires and interview guides. The synopsis is based on the information
collected from various sources of information.
II.
OBJECTIVES OF SYNOPSIS:
The outline of the report is the
skeleton of the text. It should include all important aspects and be elaborate.[7]The
objectives of writing research report may be summed up as follows:
i)
The
Investigator clarifies and systematizes his work;
ii)
Future
researchers are guided by the report earlier written;
iii)
If
the findings are of practical use it can be incorporated into statutory law;
iv) It can be used by the Courts for
arriving at a conclusion different from the earlier one either to reform an
existing law or to mound the course of social movement.
III.
WHAT SHOULD
BE KEPT IN MIND
A synopsis
is the brief of what a researcher is going to write in his research report. It
should be of such a nature that it gives a clear cut idea to the reader about
the research and must also be impressive, so that it can attract the reader. The
important thing is what does the person want or need to know about the study?
How can this information be presented in the simple and lucid manner.
Therefore, few things should be kept in mind while preparing the synopsis which
is as follows:
i)
Be
brief, accurate and to the point.
ii)
Avoid
repetition or duplication of ideas.
iii)
Let
the synopsis speak for itself. It should be of such that the text should be
confined to it or its meaning.
iv)
Spare
and allow enough time for writing a synopsis.
v)
Use
a simple, direct style which is condensed, but not so condensed as to be
cryptic or sacrifices precision and clarity of results.
vi)
Organize
the material in a logical sequence and not according to the order in which experiments
were conducted.
vii)
Avoid
long and complex headings.
viii) Design suitable headings,
sub-headings. The paragraphs and sentences should be short, to enable the
reader to ‘skin’ the report for its general subject matter and to locate
quickly and detailed part he/she seeks or is interested.
ix)
It
should fulfill the consideration of chronology, topical unity, coherency and
relevancy.[8]
x)
Revise
the framework until it has unity, coherence, emphasis and accuracy, and so clear
that it cannot be misunderstood.
xi)
Avoid
unnecessary details. Also the outline should not be vague. The arrangement
should be of such a nature that it tells the reader in nut-shell about the
research report.
IV.
STRUCTURE OF A SYNOPSIS
The structure of the synopsis varies
on the basis of field of study and sometimes it depends on the institutions
because some of the institutions provide specific guidelines for preparing a
synopsis. Moreover, sometimes it may vary
according to the preference of supervisor also. However, the it has agreed by most of the researchers and research
institutions that all proposals should at least contain: The problem statement
and justification for the research, the general and specific objectives, the
chapter on methodology, the plan of analysis, and the timetable and budget.
Therefore, there is no hard and fast
rule for preparing a synopsis but there are some standard components which
should be provided in a synopsis. Generally, the legal research report synopsis
consists of the following standard headings:
1.1. TITLE:
There has to be an idea which we want
to research or investigate. Idea should be of such a nature which we can
investigate i.e. it should be feasible to be investigated. Research is taken up
broadly to explore something. The title of the research is basically an
expressed form of that idea. The ‘title’
forms the first contact of the reader with the report. A good title should be short, accurate, and
concise. It should make the central objectives and variables of the study clear
to the reader (reviewer).
The title
provides the ‘key words’ for the classification and indexing of the project. If
it is possible without undue length, the title can give a preview of the
report. The selection of a research topic
demands careful consideration. It must be precise, reflecting the nature of the
work involved to the greatest extent possible. The chosen topic should be
concise, easily understandable, and directly aligned with the primary objective
of the intended research. If required, a more detailed and descriptive sub-title
can be incorporated to specify the primary methodology to be employed.
|
Box 1
example of a Title
How to Write Synopsis of a Legal Research Report.
Judicial Accountability: Contemporary Debates in
India.
|
Therefore,
in short we can say title is nothing but a condense form of a research Report.
1.2. ABSTRACT
The abstract serves as a concise
summary, encapsulating the research’s core elements within a limited word count
of 150-250 words. It outlines the problem, main objective(s), and if
applicable, the theories or conceptual framework employed. Additionally, it
succinctly describes the method(s) utilized in the study. The aim is to provide
the reader with a clear understanding of the research’s essence and key
components exclusively within this brief section.
|
Box 2 example of an Abstract
Indian
Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the major contributors in the nation’s
GDP leading to the prosperous growth of the economy. The practices followed
in the pharma industry have a major impact both from the consumer and the
market perspective. It is also very important to understand that
pharmaceutical industry is an industry which works towards human welfare as
the main purpose that is carried out in the industry is to manufacture lifesaving
drugs and ensure the supply of those drugs in the form of medicines across
the markets. In the present paper the researcher has focused upon the
causes and possible reasons of monopolistic trade practices in the medical
and pharmaceutical sector and the Role of CCI to overcome the same and have
suggested methods by which the said practices can be eliminated to maintain
a healthy competitive market environment.
Keywords: Anti-competitive, Regulations,
Drug Control, Transparency, Health Care, Competition, Monopoly
|
1.3.Problem analysis/literature review
The ‘literature review’ is a pivotal component within a proposal or
synopsis, serving to
underscore
the project's significant contribution to the field. It is crucial to
demonstrate the researcher's familiarity with established traditions and the
current 'state of the art' research within that domain. This involves
referencing pertinent examples of practice, especially if they set the context
for the researcher's own work. For instance, when proposing pioneering work in
interactive cinema, it is essential to outline both the accomplishments and
limitations of predecessors in this field.
The primary objective of the
literature review is to provide a focused and evaluative analysis, rather than
presenting a mere list of readings. It should exhibit the researcher's grasp of
existing work, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the field to
identify a specific area of inquiry or a launching point for their research. It
is imperative to note that the literature review’s purpose extends beyond
innovation; it aims to establish the research's significance. Hence, it should
delineate the parameters of the field in which the researcher intends to work
and delve into significant works intersecting with the project.
An effective strategy involves
commencing from the researcher's project and expanding outward. For instance,
if examining a specific legislative provision or its deficiencies, the
researcher should assess literature pertinent to the subject matter, explore
analogous provisions in other existing laws, pinpoint international trends, and
explore prevailing theoretical arguments influencing the provision.
The problem analysis derives from a
critical evaluation of scientific literature encompassing commonly employed
theories, available knowledge, and research methods with varying degrees of
success. This review bolsters the rationale behind selecting the subject,
thereby augmenting the Introduction section. Emphasizing recent literature is
crucial, requiring a critical synthesis of knowledge within the addressed
subject rather than a mere descriptive overview.
Conducting a critical review involves
(i) systematically identifying relevant literature via comprehensive
keyword-based searches in appropriate databases, (ii) critically analyzing the
identified literature, assessing the rigor of research approaches and
conclusions, and (iii) presenting significant approaches, conclusions, or
discussions logically linked to the research objectives.
Literature review is of two types:
i)
Conceptual
literature review which related to existing concepts and theories
ii)
Empirical
literature review which relates to empirical research.
A researcher has to search relevant
literature. For example a researcher has no idea about cyber-crimes. Then
first, he should start with the conceptual aspect of the topic and consult the
dictionaries. After understanding the concept of the topic, he should move
towards the sources which provide comprehensive information for example the
text books, reference books, journals or the legal databases etc.
Therefore, a researcher should keep
in mind that the literature review does not mean studying all books and
articles but reviewing only the relevant material. It should not be taken as
compilation of books. It should show the distinctiveness in the research from
earlier studies on the similar aspect.
1.3. OBJECTIVES
The objectives should be identified
on the basis of the problem analysis. That means, after reading the problem
analysis it should be immediat The formulation of objectives is best done subsequent to the development
of the theoretical framework, ensuring a logical flow between the central
question and potential answers. This sequence is recommended because defining
the objectives essentially translates the investigator’s formulated hypotheses
or answers into actionable steps.[9]
These objectives represent the intellectual activities that guide the
investigator throughout the research process.[10]
Identifying objectives should be based on the problem analysis.
Therefore, upon reviewing the problem analysis, it should be immediately
apparent and justified why these objectives are chosen. They should directly
address the concepts and issues highlighted in the problem analysis.
In any research proposal, there should be one overarching objective
describing the broader contribution the research project intends to make to the
subject area. Furthermore, there should be one or more specific objectives
focusing on distinct tasks to be accomplished during the research. It's
important to note that the overall objective might signify a contribution
rather than an ultimate resolution, and it should not merely compile the
specific objectives. Each objective should stand independently, contributing to
the overall purpose of the research.ely clear that the choice of objectives is
relevant and justified. The objectives should focus on concepts and problems
mentioned in the problem analysis. Each research proposal should contain one
overall objective describing the general contribution that the research project
makes to the subject area as well as one or more specific objectives focusing
on discrete tasks that will be achieved during the research. The overall
objective may be something that the study will contribute towards but not
solve/finish; the overall objective should not be a compilation of the specific
objectives.
|
Box 3 Example of objectives
The purpose of the
present study is to contribute to an understanding of the actual and
potential roles of Judges in improving legal education.
|
Therefore,
the broad objectives as visualized to be achieved should be clearly outlined
and these should be itemized. These objectives will indicate the major aspects
of the study to be undertaken.
1.4.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This constitutes
the scientific rationale behind the study, highlighting the necessity for
research aimed at augmenting existing knowledge. A research problem could
manifest as a knowledge gap, an inexplicable observation, an unexplored aspect,
or a phenomenon conflicting with established beliefs. Hence, the statement
should be crafted to substantiate the situation empirically, pinpointing gaps
in current understanding or presenting unresolved controversies and
inconclusive evidence.
Furthermore,
despite established knowledge, there might be instances where the researcher
questions prevailing knowledge due to certain events they aim to scrutinize.
The problem statement must convincingly argue the insufficiency of available
knowledge in elucidating the problem and its potential alternative solutions.
Alternatively, it should present a compelling case for testing established
facts that might be challenged by new discoveries or circumstances.
The discussion
within this section should evidence the investigator’s thorough documentation
of the problem and an exhaustive review of relevant literature on the subject
matter. This comprehensive approach is crucial to substantiate the need for
further exploration and investigation.
1.5.
HYPOTHESES
We cannot take a single step forward
in any inquiry unless we begin with a suggested explanation or solution of the
difficulty which originated in it. Such tentative explanations are suggested to
us by something in the subject matter and by our previous knowledge. When they
are formulated as propositions, they are called hypotheses.[11]
Therefore, hypotheses are predictions
of the outcomes from the study. These are statement which is to be tested for
possible acceptance or rejection. Hypotheses are of two types i.e. Null
hypotheses and Alternative hypotheses. Null hypothesis is tested for possible
rejection, whereas alternative hypothesis is tested for possible acceptance.[12]
Moreover, hypotheses are useful at
the outset to specify the hypotheses in terms of the assumed relations between variables
so as to clarify the position and pre-understanding of the researcher. If
statistical tests are to be conducted formulation of hypotheses is a crucial
element of the research design. Hypotheses can be derived from theory,
experience or knowledge concerning contextual factors.
1.6.
METHODOLOGY AND METHODS
A plan of work describing the various
aspects of the study in a logical sequence along with the methodologies to be
employed, are the most important aspects of any research plan.[13] It
helps to demonstrate that the researcher has a fairly good idea about the
nature of work likely to be involved. The methodology section delineates the
methods and techniques employed in conducting the research. Its primary purpose
is to provide comprehensive details to enable other researchers to replicate
the study accurately. This section should offer a thorough explanation of the
research design, data collection methods, analytical procedures, and any other
pertinent techniques utilized during the study.
Key elements to include in the
methodology section are:
§ Research Design: Describe the overall approach to
the research, such as qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, experimental,
correlational, etc.
§ Participants or Sample: Detail the characteristics of the participants
or sample used in the study, including demographics, recruitment methods, and
any inclusion/exclusion criteria.
§ Data Collection: Explain the methods employed to
gather data, whether through surveys, interviews, experiments, observations,
archival research, etc. Provide specifics on tools, instruments, or
technologies utilized.
§ Data Analysis: Describe the techniques and
procedures used to analyze the collected data. This might involve statistical
analysis, content analysis, thematic coding, or other analytical methods.
§ Ethical Considerations: Discuss any ethical issues or
considerations involved in the research, such as informed consent,
confidentiality, or participant protection measures.
§ Validity and Reliability: Address the steps taken to ensure
the validity and reliability of the research findings. This might involve
measures to establish the credibility, dependability, confirmability, or
transferability of the study.
§ Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations or
constraints encountered during the research process that might impact the
validity or generalizability of the findings.
§ Replication Details: Provide
sufficient information to facilitate the replication of the study, including
specifics on materials, procedures, data collection instruments, and analytical
tools.
A well-documented
methodology section is crucial for establishing the rigor and credibility of
the research. Clarity, transparency, and thoroughness in detailing the research
procedures enable other researchers to understand, assess, and potentially
replicate the study, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in
the field.
Within a given research
methodology several data collection methods can be relevant, and both quantitative
and qualitative methods may be used in the same study. A researcher should
specify what research methodology is chosen to fulfill the research objectives.
It should give the exact meaning of the measurement or terms used for the
purpose. The method that was followed in selecting the sample should be
presented. The researcher must prescribe the techniques and tools he has used
in collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting the data. The source of
data trapped, the channels prepared, adopted and utilized, the nature of data
collected, their validity and reliability should be given in a clear and lucid
manner. A copy of schedule or questionnaire, if any, should be included in
annexure.
The description of data
collection methods should always be as specific and realistic as possible. It
should be clear that the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for achieving
the objective. A useful step in that regard is to identify what data is
required to answer the specific objectives/research questions. To recapitulate:
it is important to envision how all the information collected will be combined
to provide a meaningful answer to the research objective. Therefore, the aim of
researcher should be to demonstrate that the method chosen by the researcher or
approach followed will serve to advance the thesis or argument.
1.7.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the
analyzed data, preferably in tables and charts. It is a good idea to organize
the results logically, for example by first presenting background information
like demographics and then continue with in a sequence reflecting the specific
objectives. All tables and figure must be numbered and referred to in the text.
Table headings go above the table, figure headings go below the figure.
Traditionally, a researcher do not discuss the results in this section. That
means, he does not explain why a specific number is an outlier, or why few
people answered a specific question – it is left for the Discussion.
In Discussion, researcher
discusses what the results mean in relation to the objectives. He also
discusses the influence of the chosen methods on the results and what
methodological problems may have been faced. Finally, he compares his own
results with those of other studies to identify whether his study is in
accordance or at odds with previous scientific studies. If the latter is the
case this warrants special consideration.
V.
CONCLUSION
The proposal is about
identifying a viable topic and plan of attack. The synopsis should contain a
brief account of the existing knowledge in the topic of research and the gaps
in this knowledge which motivated the study. The objectives set out for the
research should be listed and the methodology followed towards achieving these
objectives must be described. Finally, the synopsis should clearly bring out
the contributions of the research carried out and the salient conclusions
arrived at. The synopsis should be concise as far as possible and avoid
repetitions, it should also provide sufficient details on the various aspects
mentioned above to show that the research involved has been well understood and
planned, and it is of an acceptable academic merit.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Articles
1. Bhatnagar P.S., “Data
Interpretation and Report Writing”, 24 JILI
784 (1982)........................ 1
2. Larsen H.O., Research Synopsis Writing (2007)
(University of Copenhagen)………………...7
Books
1. Kothari C.P., Research Methodology : Methods and
Techniques (New Age international Publishers, 2nd Ed. 2012)............................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Myneni, Dr.
S.R., Legal Research Methodology
(Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 4th Ed. 2009) 2
3. Sloan, Amy E.,
Basic Legal Research: Tools and
Strategies ASPEN Publishers, New
York, 3rd Ed. 2006)...................................................................................................................................................... 1
4. Tiwari, Dr H. N., Legal
Research Methodology (Allahabad law Agency, Faridabad, 2006)..... 1
Dictionaries
Garner, Brayan A., Black’s Law Dictionary 1464 (7th
Ed.)........................................................... 2
Internet Sources
www.chilot.wordpress.com............................................................................................................. 8
Other Authorities
1. National
Defence Universty, Guidelines for
Synopsis and Thesis Preparation (NDU, Islamabad, 2012)...................................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Pan American
Health Organization, Guide for Writing a
Research Protocol 3( PAHO, USA, 2012) 2,
7
3.University of Punjab, Writing
Synopsis for a Ph.D.Research Project (PU, chandigarh, 2012)...8
[3] Amy E. Sloan, Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies 333( ASPEN Publishers,
New York, 3rd Ed. 2006).
[4] C.P.Kothari, Research Methodology : Methods and Techniques 348 (New Age
international Publishers, 2nd Ed. 2012).
[7] Dr. S.R. Myneni, Legal Research Methodology 266
(Allahabad Law Agency, Faridabad, 4th Ed. 2009).
[8] Ibid.
[9] It
is recognized that not all research requires the formulation of a hypothesis
for subsequent empirical verification.
However, all research should explain its general and specific
objectives.
[10] Supra note 6 at 5.
[12] National Defence Universty, Guidelines for Synopsis and Thesis
Preparation (NDU, Islamabad, 2012).
Article Information
ANALYSIS OF KEY STEPS TO PREPARE SYNOPSIS OF A LEGAL RESEARCH PROBLEM
Authors: MS. PRIYANKA CHOUDHARY
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Published 2024/01/05
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- Abbreviation IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Access Open Access
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