How to write a successful monograph? - Mistakes to avoid and tips

A monographic study is a specific type of assignment, which you must fully understand before you begin writing it. As we explained in the introduction, your case study should not be general in nature, but should focus on a specific subject, be it a company, a social group or, why not, a town.

With this in mind, you must do everything you can to come across as an expert on your chosen subject, rather than attempting to cover several topics at once. For example, if you are discussing a particular company, there is no point in extending your analysis to the wider economic and social context; you must remain focused on that company, how it is evolving internally, and how it operates. 

What are the most common mistakes? – Understanding the characteristics of a monograph

Although the principle may seem fairly clear to you, the fact remains that certain mistakes can occur frequently and may contribute to students failing.

One of the main mistakes to avoid is choosing a topic that is too broad. If you want to write a ‘good’ monograph, you need to narrow down the topic. For example, you cannot analyse ‘the education system in France’, as this is far too broad. Instead, you could limit yourself to the use of digital technology in certain classes and in a specific school.

Another point: a monograph is not a summary or a reworking of everything people tell you. It is neither a report nor a summary; but a genuine in-depth piece of research is what is expected of you. You need to understand what lies behind the words and the testimonies.

Finally, whatever the subject, you must not get ‘stuck’ in the present, because no matter what the subject, there is always a history; and that history can often explain a great deal. You must maintain a researcher’s mindset.

• Not sure where to start? Get some guidance to help you get your monograph off to a good start!

How to carry out a successful monographic study? – Tips throughout the research process

Laying the Groundwork

As explained above, a topic should provide food for thought, but it must not be too broad. To help you, you can start by setting certain boundaries: geographical, temporal and thematic (where, when and what?).

The research question is essential; it serves as the guiding thread throughout the entire piece of work. It acts as a guide, helping to ensure you do not lose focus.

Data collection

This is where the research work really begins; this is where you will start to gather specific data. It is also undeniably the most time-consuming part of your research. This stage consists of three phases: observation, interviews and literature review. In short, what you see, what you hear and what you read.

During the observation phase, ask yourself the key questions; these will vary depending on your chosen topic. What are people like? Who is talking to whom? How is the space organised, and why?

During the interview phase, you will need to talk to people, but in a thoughtful way. The questions you ask should be open-ended enough to encourage them to talk, rather than simply answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Remember to give the interviewees time to answer, allowing for pauses in particular.

During the research phase, read everything related to your initial topic and take notes organised by theme to retain only the most important information. You can summarise everything in a table.

Analysing the information gathered

Make sense of it to turn it into something useful. The most challenging aspect here is that, at this stage, students often have a great deal of information. Earlier, we discussed grouping it by theme. It may be helpful to create a table or use different colours, one for each theme.

Don’t hesitate to highlight any contradictions that may arise; this happens in schools and businesses alike. Contradictions are interesting to analyse; they can, for example, reflect a systemic failure.

The structure of the document

A monographic study should be easy to read.

It should include an introduction, which explains why you chose the subject in question, the research question and your methodology.

This is followed by the background section, which sets out your chosen context so that the reader can gain a sense of the setting.

Next comes the main body, which, in your case, forms the core of the analysis. This is where you develop your themes, explain them and address the research question.

Finally, the conclusion, which also aims to identify the limitations of your work and answer any questions the examination board may have.

• Why not have your monograph proofread and edited by a certified and experienced academic tutor?

Summary table

Steps	What to do	What to avoid
Framing	Set strict but sufficiently flexible boundaries.	To ramble, to want to talk about everything.
Field	Draw on a variety of sources, written and spoken.	Use only one interview.
Analyze	Pay attention to the silences, to everything that is left unsaid.	To blindly believe what everyone says.
Writing	Use precise vocabulary appropriate to the academic level.	Using a tone that is too emotional or journalistic.
Time management	Manage your time, as it passes quickly. Use a logbook to note down sources as you go along.	Writing at the last minute is a sure-fire way to get discouraged.

Conclusion

Consequently, to ensure the success of your case study, you must go through various stages, but above all, you must start well in advance to avoid any form of discouragement or failure. Be precise; analyse the facts, what is said and what is left unsaid, in order to demonstrate your expertise on your chosen subject.

FAQ

What is participant observation?

It involves studying a group whilst taking part in the activities they carry out.

Is it necessary to record the interviews?

Yes, it makes it easier to analyse them and refer back to them later, but don’t forget to ask for permission first.

Should I use a chronological outline?

No, not really; a thematic outline is far more relevant.

Should the interviews be included in the appendices?

Yes, the most significant ones, and you can include the full transcripts if necessary.

How can I tell if my study is successful?

Once read, the reader should feel that they have a good grasp of the subject. If you’re in any doubt, you can have it checked by a qualified tutor or editor!