Collecting data

Abstract

If your project involves written material, the collection of data should not prove too much of a problem. Most students have access to a photocopier and, provided that the material is not too bulky and does not present copyright difficulties, should manage to obtain exact copies where necessary. You may have to write to a copyright holder for permission to use material. Many people are perfectly amenable if you are using small amounts for educational purposes. If you are looking for original handwritten copies or early printed versions of texts, local libraries are usually helpful. For a small amount, often not much more than the cost of a stamp or a photocopy, they can obtain material for you from inter-library loans. Exact copies are particularly important if you are dealing with written material such as children’s writing, newspapers, advertising and historical documents, where layout and spelling are likely to play a part. Remember that, in general, a thorough analysis of a small amount of material works better than a skimpy treatment of a large amount of material.