TASK 1: (AC, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4)

Research Proposal – 800 words (10% leeway) 

Identify the research topic (1.1) explain the Aims (1.2) Identify the method (1.3) Design and Procedure and any how any ethical considerations will be addressed (1.4) Give an initial indication of secondary sources. State the word count.

Give a Bibliography (using the Harvard Referencing System)

The choice of topic must be either related to your ‘progression’ i.e. what you will study at university (e.g. related to Nursing, Midwifery, Teaching, Social Work) or a topic related to an aspect of one of the specialist subjects on your Diploma (e.g. related to Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Education Studies, Anatomy and Physiology)

Task 2: (AC 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3)

Research Project and Report – 2,200 words (10 % leeway)

Carry out a literature search on your research topic (secondary research) using a wide range of sources (2.1)

Conduct primary research as relevant to your research topic (e.g. questionnaires, interviews, focus group) (2.1) Ensure that your research plans have been approved by your supervisor (further to plans approved at the Proposal stage) regarding ethical considerations and that there is a statement on the questionnaire or list of interview questions, regarding ethical considerations (a copy of this should be in the Appendix.)

Produce a Research Report (4.1) using the Harvard referencing system (4.4)

To include

·       Abstract

·       Introduction and Aims.

·       Literature search (2.1) (4.3)

·       Method including justification of (1.3) (2.2)

·       Results (4.2) (4.3) including justification of presentation techniques (2.2)

·       Discussion and Conclusion: analyse and evaluate the research findings in relation to aims, previous     

       research (identified in the Literature search) and relevant theories (3.1) (3.2) (2.2)

·       Evaluation: evaluate methodology (5.1) Give recommendations for the future (5.2)

·       Bibliography

Task 1 – Date handed out:

w/c 30.10.17                      

Task 1 –  Submission deadline: w/c 08.01.18

 Actual date submitted:

Task 2 – Date handed out:

w/c 30.10.17

Task 2 –  Submission deadline:

16.04.18

 Actual date submitted:

Formal Extension Request:  Y/N

Extension deadline:

Signed by Tutor/Assessor to agreed extension: 

Actual date

submitted:

Resubmission Deadline (two working weeks after first submission returned)

Date resubmission submitted:

Date returned to student:

Referral request?  Y/N

Grade Descriptor profile awarded for this assignment

GD1

GD2

GD3

GD4

GD5

GD6

GD7

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√

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Learner declaration:  I declare that all the work submitted for this unit is my own, and that where I have drawn on the work of others, I have referenced this in accordance with the College Policy

Signature:                                                    Date:

Assessment Information

Unit title:  Research Project

Assessment Criteria.  This assignment addresses the following assessment criteria:                                          

AC No

Level Three

1.1

Identify and agree a research topic located within a knowledge domain relevant to the named Diploma.

1.2

Produce and explain the aims of the research.

1.3

Develop appropriate research design and procedures.

1.4

Identify any ethical, practical or safety issues and how these will be managed/overcome.

2.1

Identify and conduct in-depth research from a wide range of sources.

3.1    

Analyse and evaluate research findings.

3.2

Draw appropriate conclusions.

4.1

Produce a research report.

4.2

Select and use the most appropriate format to present results.

4.3

Summarise information coherently in a conventional style, appropriate to the knowledge domain.

4.4

Reference all findings using a recommended style of referencing.

5.1

Reflect on the design and methodology of the project.

5.2

Evaluate findings in relation to aims, previous research and relevant theories.

5.3

Identify recommendations for the future.

Interpreting and presenting information

2.2

Evaluate results including justify choice and use of presentation techniques and methods for the original purpose

Grade Descriptors.  This assignment is graded using elements from the grade descriptors listed below  

·       If you achieve all assessment criteria listed above at Level 3, you will be awarded a Pass.

·       To gain a Merit or Distinction, your work must match the performance described in the following grade descriptors.

Additional Guidance on Passing the Assignment

Please give guidance to the learners on how they may be considered for a Pass

Additional guidance for a Merit:

Secondary research is reasonably thorough and relevant to the topic/hypothesis and a critical approach is adopted. There is very good use of the Harvard referencing system. Any primary research is conducted in an organised, timely and appropriate way with due regard to ethical considerations and appropriate liaison with the supervisor regarding design of questionnaires etc if used.

Findings are very well presented. The Discussion and Conclusion section of the report shows a very good analysis and evaluation of research findings, very good links or comparisons are made between the secondary findings and primary research findings in relation to the aim/hypothesis.

The Evaluation shows a very good critical reflection on the design and methodology used, commenting on strengths and weakness showing an understanding of methodology (with very good use of research terminology). Recommendations for improvement to the research method are used for any future research very effectively. There are well thought out recommendations for the future regarding any future related areas of research are given. The Report is very well written in a suitable format and overall a very good grasp of research methodology is shown.

Additional guidance for a Distinction:

Secondary research is very thorough and relevant to the topic/hypothesis and a critical approach is adopted. There is excellent use of the Harvard referencing system. Any primary research is conducted in a highly effective way with due regard to ethical considerations and effective liaison with the supervisor regarding design of questionnaires etc if used.

Findings are extremely well presented. The Discussion and Conclusion section of the report shows an excellent analysis and evaluation of research findings, excellent links or comparisons are made between the secondary findings and primary research findings in relation to the aim/hypothesis.

The Evaluation shows an excellent critical reflection on the design and methodology used, commenting on strengths and weakness showing an understanding of methodology (with excellent use of research terminology). Valid and well thought out recommendations for improvement to the research method for any future research are given.  Very well thought out recommendations for the future regarding any future related area of research are given.

The Report is extremely well written in a suitable format and overall an excellent grasp of research methodology is shown.