BS4S14 Research Methods

Each student is required to produce an individual reflective journal documenting their experience while undertaking the main research project of this module.This style of reflective report is intentionally less structured to allow you to express your individual thoughts and opinions freely and openly. While there is no right or wrong answer your reflection should illustrate how you have developed your ability with what was covered in this module.

i) what you have learnt about yourself and what you gained through this experience. For example, think of: How the topic informed your thinking? How did you benefit? Were you proactive or reactive? What did you discover about your personality? etc. and also reflect on

ii) the challenges faced while working on the project. What were they? How did you overcome them? If not, why not?

Then proceed to report on the effect the project had on

iii) your philosophical school (post positivist, pragmatist, constructivist, etc.) by reflecting on your ontological, axiological and epistemological stance, before, during and after the project and

iv) inform on how you managed the ethical issues encountered in producing this work; such as data confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, debriefing participants, etc.

You should present your report in the form of a 1200 word (+/10%) reflective journal. You are advised to support your reflections by researching relevant literature on reflective writing, and ensuring all sources are cited and referenced using the Harvard style.

Assessments should be uploaded to the submission.

Furthermore, your assignment will be submitted to Turnitin so it can be electronically checked for originality of content.

The standard USW policy in relation to penalties for late submission/non submission will apply. Late submissions of up to 5 days are accepted but capped to 40% of the assessment marks, submissions over 5 days late receive a mark of 0.

If you face any extenuating circumstances please seek advice from UNICAF Student Support who can advise you of your options and on how to put an appropriate claim to the USW Advice Centre as soon as the circumstances arise. Please note the regulations in relation to the USW “Fit to Sit” policy.

Please refer to the general “Marking Criteria for Post Graduate Assessments”, as well as the “Module Assessment Criteria” documents posted in the VLE for details on how your submission will be marked. Feedback will be provided using the appropriate “Assessment Cover Sheet and Feedback Form”.