Introduction to Planning a Research Project

Understand how to select, plan and structure research activity.

Research formulation: aims and objectives; rationale for selection; methodology for data collection and analysis; literature review; critique of references from primary sources e.g. questionnaires, interviews; secondary sources e.g. books, journals, internet; scope and limitations; implications e.g. resources.

Hypothesis/research question development: definition; suitability; skills and knowledge to be gained; aims and objectives; terms of reference; duration; ethical issues.

Research design: type of research e.g. qualitative, quantitative, systematic, original; methodology; resources; statistical analyses; validity; reliability; control of variables.

Students should be guided to use an appropriate planning tool to manage the project considering the time and scope of the project.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Select a research topic.

• 1.2

  Devise a rationale for the choice of research project.

• 1.3

  Construct a research question or hypothesis.

• 1.4

  Prepare and use an action plan to time manage the project.

Understand how to carry out a research project taking into account ethical considerations .

Justify research question or hypothesis; milestones; task dates; review dates; monitoring/reviewing process; strategy.

Students should be guided to engage with a project concerned with the use of secondary sources of data rather than primary and thereby avoiding any potential ethical hazards, (exceptions may include Humanities projects which solely analyse literary and/or historical source material) However, students should still be aware of ethical issues surrounding research and they should be considered appropriately.

Students should consider research design and method including the differences between qualitative and quantitative data and collection methods especially in light of ethical considerations and data protection laws. Students should also think about validity; reliability with regards to data and the collection of the information.

Ethical considerations should include, but not be restricted to:

• proper planning to safeguard any participants with regards to their dignity and welfare
• ensure accuracy is maintained to safeguard the integrity of the data/information gathered – check source authenticity, reliability and validity
• ensure secure holding of information – data protection laws etc.
• maintaining privacy and confidentiality of all participants – anonymity etc.
• following all codes of conduct and avoiding plagiarism
• following strictly the code of informed consent and the ability of participants to withdraw from any research at any time for any reason
• students could research the BERA guidelines or similar. Ethical guidelines for Educational Research etc.

For Humanities projects, students should undertake appropriate methods of analysis of primary source material, comparing, contrasting and contextualising source material in order to draw conclusions relating to the research question.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Justify the chosen research method used for the project.

• 2.2

  Explain the ethical considerations  when undertaking a project.

Understand how to collect research data or sources.

Students should consider research design and method including the differences between qualitative and quantitative data and collection methods especially in light of ethical considerations and data protection laws. Students should also think about validity; reliability with regards to data and the collection of the information.

Ethical considerations should include, but not be restricted to:

• proper planning to safeguard any participants with regards to their dignity and welfare
• ensure accuracy is maintained to safeguard the integrity of the data/information gathered – check source authenticity, reliability and validity
• ensure secure holding of information – data protection laws etc
• maintaining privacy and confidentiality of all participants – anonymity etc
• following all codes of conduct and avoiding plagiarism
• following strictly the code of informed consent and the ability of participants to withdraw from any research at any time for any reason
• students could research the BERA guidelines or similar. Ethical guidelines for Educational Research etc.

For Humanities projects, students should undertake appropriate methods of analysis of primary source material, comparing, contrasting and contextualising source material in order to draw conclusions relating to the research question.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Collect or select quantitative and/or qualitative data or sources, as appropriate, to the chosen research project with consideration to ethical and data protection laws.