Research Project Portfolio

Task 1: Research Topic Mindmap

Task 1: Research topic mindmap
You are required to choose a topic for the research project, that you will deliver via this portfolio.
The topic should be related to your study subject, an outcome of brainstorming and consideration of areas that you are interested in. Use online tools (e.g. free software GoConqr) to create a mindmap of the subject-specific areas that interests you and logically navigate to the specific topic for the portfolio. Use class discussion on feasibility of research to clarify how suitable your choice is. Please attach your mindmap (jpg or another graphic file) to the portfolio.

Task 2: Research topic bibliography
You are required to use skills practiced in class to create a thematic bibliography of specific resources (academic and professional) that will act as a basis for literature review on your chosen topic. Please use one of the available free referencing software (e.g. ZoteroBib or Cite this for me) and export final bibliography to a file.
In portfolio, please describe (ca. 250 words) the process you have followed, incl. key words, databases used, and any modifications to the process you have made to create your bibliography. Please attach your bibliography (as doc or pdf file) to the portfolio.

Task 3: Literature review summary
You will be using your bibliography from task 2 for this part. Create a three-column-table, where you will analyse all identified research articles on the chosen topic, following a template below:
Article Abstract Recommendations
• Paste the reference to the article in column 1: Article
• Copy and paste the Abstract section to column 2: Abstract
• Copy and paste Recommendations section (if available) to column 3: Recommendations

Once complete, highlight key findings in abstract sections and suggested areas for further research in recommendation sections.
In portfolio, please write a summary of key findings on your chosen topic (ca. 600 words) and create a logical (you may need to combine ideas) list of further research topics, as suggested by the literature. Attach the “table document” to your portfolio.

Task 4: Research question discussion and design
You will be using revised literature review summary from task 3 for this part. Among identified gaps in research, choose one that is the most interesting to you and shows the most potential for successful research project. In line with the process of research question design, formulate the research question for your research project.
In the portfolio, briefly summarise (ca. 250 words) your thinking process and reasons for choosing the particular research area and present your research question. Clearly distinguish elements of the research question – phenomenon, variable(s), participants, setting, etc.
Create a list of research objectives, that will allow you to answer your research question.

Task 5: Sampling discussion and design
You will be using revised bibliography from task 2 for this part. Create a three-column-table, so you can analyse methodology used in the existing research on your chosen topic (see: example)
Paste the reference to the article in column 1: Article (you can modify the task 3 table)
• Find methodology section, read it and fill in the name of research tool used into correct category in column 2: Methodology
• Name (if not named in text) sampling used and size of the sample in column 3: Sample
In portfolio, please identify which approach to the research have been found to be the most often employed in your chosen topic and analyse the range of sampling strategies used. Next, identify sample population required for your research question and design matching sampling procedure (or variations if you wish) (ca. 500 words). Do not forget to attach the “table document” to portfolio.

Task 6: Research tools discussion and design
The task is to identify the most suitable research approach for your chosen research question (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methodology) and design relevant data collection tools. Please consider the current obstacles to field research (pandemic) and think about online research tools available. Use ideas and tools suggested in the workshop, e.g. online survey tools.
In portfolio, provide a short discussion explaining your choices and approach (ca. 500 words).
Attach all your designed tools to the portfolio as files or weblinks.
IMPORTANT: Please attempt data collection using designed tools during the Christmas break period.

Task 7: Data analysis
You will be using data collected using tools from task 6 for this part. You are asked to provide analysis of findings acquired from the primary research process (data collection during the Christmas break). The type of analysis will of course depend on the choice of research tools in task 6 and will vary in length (ca. 800-1500 words). See further instructions in class.

Task 8: Review of data presentation options
You will again be using data collected using tools from task 6 for this part. You need to present your data (quantitative and qualitative if you have collected both) in the most suitable manner, in line with rules of data presentation.
In portfolio, provide short discussion explaining your choices and approach (ca. 400 words), then attach all files created with external software (e.g. Excel) to the portfolio.