400 hours study for a 40 credit module.
6-9000 word written element, and related practical work.
2.5 hours support on the written element of the module, in addition to support with the practical project.
DEADLINE 15TH JAN, 4pm.
15 WEEKS!
Try to have a substantial draft submitted by Xmas.
Indicative Content
Students will develop a cohesive research project, with practical and textual outcomes, in response to a proposal developed during the later stages of the Level 5 programme.
This module will require the students to organise and undertake a personal programme of in-depth critical research, to collate and present a coherent written argument and related practical investigation based on analysis and evaluation, presented in the form of an extended formal written study and related practice-based research. The chosen subject will be relevant to a student’s main course of study and will be used to support and inform their specialist practice. The extended study involves self motivated research but will be supported by individual tutorials aimed at helping the student to develop the appropriate scope and depth of subject matter required within such a project.
The work undertaken will reveal the student’s appreciation and application of research approaches and methodologies. Planning the project
Write down all questions that you want to investigate
Consider each on their merits and focus on two (primary & secondary)
Write an A4 ‘first thoughts’ sheet for each
What is the purpose of the study? Is your question researchable?
Working title
‘Who?, What? Where? Why? When?'
Project Outline
Consider timing
DEADLINE- 15 WEEKS
Consider holidays / work / life
Think about your working title and the different component parts that need researching.
Allocate timings to each
Draw up a project outline based on the above
Allow generous time for initial reading and writing up
Factor in tutorials
CONSULT WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR ABOUT THIS
Literature Search
Reading takes more time than you think
How much can you actually read in 100 hrs?
Start by trying to find out all the key texts on your chosen topic.
Focus your reading based on an initial assessment of this survey
Find key texts and plan time to read these
Find secondary sources / criticisms of key texts (triangulation)
Use journals (www.jstor.org)
Referencing
Start compiling a bibliography at the beginning of the project
Reference as you go along
Include all details (name, forename, date, place, publisher, page)
Ethics
If a student’s CoP3 research involves human subjects (1) and/or data not in the public domain (2) then ethical approval must be granted by their supervisor / programme leader.
If the researcher is interviewing or observing participants then that counts as ‘involving human subjects’. 'Interviewing' means that you are recording the person's words, by writing, tape or any other means, and using them in your work.
‘Data not in the public domain’ means data (or objects) which are still in copyright, or are in private collections, and for which written permission for use must be obtained.
Approaches to research
Quantitative
Qualitative
Action Research
Questionnaires
Is a questionnaire the best way of investigating your topic?
If so, begin to word questions and discuss with your supervisor.
Avoid ambiguity, imprecision or assumption.
Also avoid double, leading, presuming or offensive questions
Question Type?
Think about format / appearance
Always pilot your questionnaire
Decide on sample size
Specify a return deadline (factor this into your project outline)
Record responses as soon as complete
Interviews
Is an interview the best way of investigating your topic?
If so, begin to word questions and discuss with your supervisor
Structured or unstructured interview?
How will you analyse questions?
Watch for bias
Plan the interview / prepare the room
Introduce yourself
Tape record the interview (permission required)
Agree the accuracy of notes with interviewee
Observation
Is observation the best way of investigating your topic?
Decide exactly what you need to know?
Participant / Non-participant observation
Request permission to observe
Prepare and plan observation carefully
Devise a suitable grid, checklist or chart.
Analyse and interpret the data, eliminating bias
Thank the people observed
Critical Diarie / Reflective Log
Is a questionnaire the best way of investigating your topic?
Make sure you are clear about the purpose?
Checklist
Don’t procrastinate
Plan research methods carefully
Select the most appropriate research methods for the project
Document all stages of the process carefully
Produce a detailed project outline, with timings, and stick to it
Get the most from your supervision
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