Understanding Research Advice in Academic Conversations
Listen to the following conversation between a student and a research assistant in an anthropology department.
Student: Hey! I'm really excited about my upcoming thesis. I want to focus on cultural impacts of urbanization on small communities.
Research Assistant: That's a fascinating topic. If you haven't already, you should consider looking at case studies in your literature review. There are so many instances where urbanization has drastically changed local cultures.
Student: Right! I was thinking about how to narrow it down, maybe focus on one specific region?
Research Assistant: Definitely! Choosing a specific region might give you a more manageable scope. Also, don't forget to check the recent publications. They often highlight the latest research trends and methodologies.
Student: Thanks! That’s a good idea. I want to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative research methods too.
Research Assistant: That’s great! Using a mixed-methods approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the changes you are studying. Just make sure to clearly define your research questions.
Student: Will do! Do you have any recommendations on where to start for data collection?
Research Assistant: Yes! Look into online academic databases for articles, and don’t forget to consider primary sources like interviews or surveys with locals. They can provide invaluable insights.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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