Research Log
10th September 2026
I considered a few different kinds of review for this project. I thought scoping was the most appropriate because of the mixed genres / paradigms and for the ‘quick map’ and ‘reconnaissance’ approach. It was kind of the closest fit rather than a perfect fit. One option I considered was a ‘methods’ or ‘methodology’ review, but ultimately I scrapped that because I think they are linked to appraising methods. This doesn’t appraise methods and Arksey & O’Malley (2005) are clear that scoping reviews don’t attempt to do so.
My main concern is this idea that scoping is for getting a read on some new and emerging work or for work that is relatively ‘unstudied’ and this is not that. I guess the key thing is that I have to justify what this scoping review is for this project. Research framed like this is not about ‘following a formula’ but it is about having a coherent argument for your choices.
11th September 2026
I downloaded to Zotero Volumes 67 - 72 (January 2024 to November 2024). I figured that looking at what shape a year of papers might constitute would help me with scope. There were 93 papers in total, and 77 of those were research articles.
I have decided to move from a stated year range (e.g. 2025 - 2026) to a Volume Range. I have to decide if I can do the two whole years available to me (2024 and 2025 print publications) or just focus on, e.g. 2025. I am currently thinking I can do both 2024 AND 2025. Which would be volumes 67-78.
To ‘develop my instrument’ / pilot the process, I plan to code a small number of 2023 papers. What I need to do now is write a section that explains why I have chosen to use an extraction form and ‘finalise’ extraction form options for a pilot.
Having completed the extraction form I can start coding. I have picked a 2023 volume at random and plan to code it in its entirety.