Assessment Type (and weighting)
4,000 word essay outlining the rest of the research proposal to include a brief literature review; a conceptual framework; research philosophy, strategy and methods; triangulation
Learning Outcomes Assessed:
LO2: Produce a critical appraisal of relevant literature synthesized into an appropriate conceptual framework.
LO3: Demonstrate a firm grasp of differences between research philosophies and the justification of that selected.
LO4: Produce a critically informed research design with the appropriate combination of methods; sample sizes and selection criteria.
Assessment Brief
Develop a conceptual frame from a critical review of appropriate literature and provide a detailed overview of the research methods intended for use. The essay must outline the rest of the research proposal (i.e. following “Introduction to the research proposal”;
Assessment to include a brief literature review, a conceptual framework, research philosophy, strategy and methods, and triangulation.
The essay’s structure and content could be as follows:
Title (what the research is about / topic)
Introduction (problem statement; motivation; methodology; expected outcomes and/or findings; contribution; limitations; ethical issues).
Approximately 500 words
Background. (critical literature review; summary of existing empirical findings / practice etc.)
Research questions and objectives (based on background; what the project is trying to explain / reveal etc.). Approximately 1,500 words
Method (how is the project going to achieve its objectives; type of research; sampling issues; methods of analysis etc.). Approximately 1,000 words
Timescale (Gantt graph). Approximately 500 words
Resources (types; availability etc.). Approximately 500 words
References
It is a good idea to work closely with your project’s supervisor to formulate research objectives,
find relevant literature, decide upon suitable methods of analysis etc.
Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements:
Level HE7 – It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include four refereed academic journals and five academic books.
12. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Written Assessments
Written assessments should be word-processed in Arial or Calibri Light font size 12. There should be double-spacing and each page should be numbered.
There should be a title page identifying the programme name, module title, assessment title, your student number, your marking tutor and the date of submission.
You should include a word-count at the end of the assessment (excluding references, figures, tables and appendices).
