BM4103 Research Methods Assessment 2 Brief | UCLan

This assessment is worth 40% of the overall module mark.

This Assessment Pack consists of a detailed assignment brief, guidance on what you need to prepare, and information on how class sessions support your ability to complete successfully. You’ll also find information on this page to guide you on how, where, and when to submit. If you need additional support, please make a note of the services detailed in this document. 

Assignment Information

This is an individual assessment, in which you are required to write a Research Proposal of 1000 words.

Format: Report: You are expected to write a research proposal of 1,000 words covering all points mentioned below. 

The research proposal should clearly explain: 

• WHAT your research question is
• WHY this research is important or worth doing
• HOW the research will be conducted

Your proposal must present the following details: 

Title of the research 

An introduction to your chosen research area. Background to the research (context of the research). Give a brief outline of appropriate literature or your approach to literature on your topic. This may include explanations of key terms and ideas and/or key writers and theoretical backgrounds.

What are the aims and/or objectives of this research? Explain what your research question is. Remember that an unclear, inaccurate, and non-focused research question will affect the entire proposal.

Explain the rationale for your research.  That is, explain why answering the research question could or should be important. What is the importance of the research you propose?  

Methodology: this section should cover the following:

1. Research philosophy: Outline your research philosophical and methodological underpinnings and your research approach.
2. Data collection: How do you plan to collect your data? Using what research design? And using what research methods? Describe and justify your choices (a justification of their appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses to your study, including relevant references to the literature)
3. Sampling: What is the sampling technique you are going to use? Why? Describe and justify your choice.  What is your proposed sample? What is the proposed size of your sample?
4. Analysis: How will you analyse the data collected?

Consideration of problems you might anticipate (e.g., in access or sampling, etc.) and how you might resolve these. 

A consideration of any ethical issues raised by your proposal.

A research timetable (this can go in an appendix if preferred). 

Reference List for ALL sources used in the text.  Harvard style (Reference List is not part of the word-count).  The report should written in the 3rd person using academic English. 

Assessment Criteria:

• Evaluation of your understanding of the research process will address depth of detail on, and sensitivity to, methodological issues and quality of linkages to course material.
• For a specific breakdown of marks please see above