Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

This week’s topics

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

1. Unpacking the assignment brief and criteria
2. Finding and evaluating sources
3. Planning and referencing

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Assess the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection.
• 1.2 Formulate and record possible research project outlines and specifications.
• 1.3 Develop research questions or hypothesis with rationale.
• 1.4 Clarify resources efficiently for the research question or hypothesis.
• 1.5 Create an agreed SMART timeframe for completion of the research.
• 2.1 Critically appraise literature relevant to the chosen research context.
• 2.2 Evaluate research methodologies and provide a rationale for a chosen research methodology.
• 2.3 Evaluate data collection methods and provide a rationale for chosen data collection methods.
• 2.4 Produce a research proposal.
• 3.1 Carry out the proposed research investigation in accordance with the research specification.
• 3.2 Collect and present relevant data as outlined by the research specification.
• 3.3 Interpret and analyse the results in relation to the research specification.
• 4.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques to justify the validity of the research.
• 4.2 Make recommendations, justifying areas for further consideration.
• 4.3 Present the outcomes of the research to an audience using appropriate media.

Activity

Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Further resources

• Writing for Success, ch. 8.1–8.3: Prewriting, outlining and drafting · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 281–318 · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
• Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students