Skills and Abilities Required for the Qualitative Portfolio Assignment

Assignment Requirements

Demonstrate the following skills and abilities: Competently and appropriately select, use and report on the outcome of relevant research methods, understand ethics and reflect on bias in research and be in a position to undertake the Honours Project.

What am I required to do in this assignment?

The second is a written qualitative portfolio which includes three components: (a) a qualitative data exercise (2,500 words); (b) learning about the ethics of research by active participation; and (c) a Practice Learning Agreement (50%). The report is designed to allow you to analyze textual data (provided by your unit coordinator) using a qualitative approach you learned in your lectures. The topic relates to real research. You will be guided through the work during your tutorials. Using a thematic analysis, you must produce an APA format written report with the following sections:

1. Abstract  

2. Introduction

3. Methods

4. Results

5. Discussion

6. References

7. Three Appendices (i.e., memos, one coded transcript, table of constituent codes)

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

In order to pass Assessment 2 you will need to:

• Critical evaluate studies on the basis of their ethical implications, rigour and self-reflect on your own involvement in the research process (i.e., reflexivity).

• Reach a considered conclusion about the choice of research design and the use of particular methods of data analysis when evaluating how well a study addresses its research hypotheses or questions and related ethical issues.

• Identify the criteria for the use of a number of research methods and conduct the analysis of data

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

An excellent Introduction shows clarity of argument and critical analysis. Rationale is explained very well, and the link between previous and current study is very clearly presented. Research question is clearly stated and supported by the literature. Your Methods must be clear, accurate, and appropriate leaving no gaps about how the study was conducted. An excellent Results section covers all analyses well and succinctly. The discussion summarizes findings very well. It should thoroughly interpret findings, drawing competently on current knowledge in the field and fully considering the alternative perspectives. References and written English must be excellent. More details below on each section.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

You have been taught report writing and various qualitative analyses given a specific situation. Further you have been shown how to use each approach and report findings. Textual data (i.e., transcript) will be provided to you during your teaching session.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.

Presents a basic overview of the background with no real critical analysis. You need to link past research and theory to the current study so the rationale and research question are clear.

An excellent Introduction showing clarity of argument and critical analysis. Rationale is explained very well, and the link between previous and current study is very clearly presented. Research question is clearly stated