Pitching Research: A Reverse-Engineer 'Sparring' Experiment with UQ Summer Research Scholars

Abstract

Over the Southern Summer of 2016-7, six University of Queensland Research Scholars signed up to be part of a unique cohort focused on “pitching research” [PR]. The Summer Research Scholars are paired up into 3 teams, broadly based on compatible research interests. As one of their designated tasks, the teams are each set a “reverse engineering” [“RE”] “pitch sparring” exercise – in which, for an agreed target academic research paper of mutual interest, they progressively pitch segments of Faff’s (2015) pitching research template. A “33” design is executed: “3-rounds by 3-phases” of pitch sparring for 3 teams. The basic philosophy underlying the design of this novel pitching exercise is to experiment into the potential benefits of “peer-to-peer” learning of basic research skills. The current paper provides a narrative review of this unique pitch “sparring” exercise.