Assessing Research Competence: Proposal Development Essay

The learning outcomes that are assessed by this coursework are:

1. Systematic understanding of research methodology and practice.

2. Ability to interpret and critically appraise the research of others.

3. Ability to develop a research proposal

4. Ability to plan a meaningful and original research project.

All completed coursework must be sent to the module leader electronically using the Blackboard VLE ‘send assignment’ facility. To access this, see the ‘send assignment’ button to the left of the screen when viewing this module. Work submitted by other means will not be accepted.

Late submission of coursework policy: Late submissions will be processed in accordance with current University regulations which state: “the time period during which a student may submit a piece of work late without authorisation and have the work capped at 50% if passed is 14 calendar days. Work submitted unauthorised more than 14 calendar days after the original submission date will receive a mark of 0%. These regulations apply to a student’s first attempt at coursework. Work submitted late without authorisation which constitutes reassessment of a previously failed piece of coursework will always receive a mark of 0%.”

These include plagiarism, cheating, collusion, copying work and reuse of your own work, poor referencing or the passing off of somebody else's ideas as your own. If you are in any doubt about what constitutes an academic offence or bad academic practice you must check with your tutor. Further information and details of how DSU can support you,

This assignment is intended to support the development of a clear research thesis proposal through:

• A concise introduction to the problem context

• The presentation of a clear aim and set of objectives adapted from assignment A

• An extended literature survey from assignment A

• An explanation and justification of the methodology that you intend to adopt for the study

• If relevant, a summary of any ethical issues that you anticipate and how these will be addressed

• A summary of the potential risks to the research and how these will be managed

• A workplan for the proposed study including Milestones.

• A presentation of five – six slides (e.g. problem context, aim objectives, core literature, proposed method, proposed time line). This assignment should not be more than 3,000 words excluding references.

• Possesses an authoritative grasp of the conceptual context within which the workwas undertaken

• Is able to display originality, insight and powers of in-depth critical analysis in the solution offered and/or is able to sustain an argument displaying originality, insight into current debates and conceptual positions, indepth critical analysis, and is capable of expressing this argument clearly, concisely and accurately

• Possesses a high degree of relevant technical competence

“Merit Level” A clear grasp of an appropriate methodology suitably focused on the topic/problem. A good level of understanding, organisation and relevant technical ability. An ability to synthesise material and to construct responses which reveal good skills of critical analysis and insight.

“pass level” A coherent response to the task undertaken demonstrating a sound grasp of appropriate methodology. Work will be accurate and appropriately organised with clear evidence of skills of critical analysis.

“marginal pass level” The grasp of material and methodology is such as to enable a basic response to the task undertaken. Work will generally be accurate andnappropriately organised with  some evidence of critical analysis.

“marginal fail” The work demonstrates some understanding of the topic/problem but overall the achievement in terms of understanding, technical accuracy, organisation and critical analysis does not justify a pass mark.

“fail” Student’s performance is deficient in most respects, revealing inadequate grasp of the material, poor organisational and technical ability and poorly developed communication skills. No evidence of critical analysis. A clear fail.