SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
PART 1 (1.1., 1.2., 1.3., 1.4., 1.5., 2.1)
In this part, you will select a research theme for your group. Your group will be formed in class so be sure you do not miss class as this initial step is essential to your success in this assignment. Write up a proposal agreed with your tutor based on your research theme and submit in a submission inbox, which will be set up on STP online.
Your main Tasks in PART1 of the assignment are as follow:
Task i
Select a research theme from any of the following themes:
1. Impact of diversity on health and social care provision
2. Health and wellbeing
3. Healthcare service improvement
4. Personal hygiene
5. Stress factors among college students
6. The importance of teamwork in health and social care
Task ii
Each individual member of each group should now choose a research topic within the research theme and write a research proposal to be presented as a word document, and submit it in a submission folder for your group on STP online.
Note: Prepare a one or two page(s) plan of your research proposal for formative assessment.
(NB: Your proposal, which should not be less than 1000 words and not more than 1100 words, must first be approved before you conduct your research project.)
Tips for Part 1:
• Describe the type(s) of research method(s) and tools you would use to gather your research data (also known as primary data).
• Outline the specifications of your research. Also, clearly define the aims, objectives, rationale for choosing your research topic and timelines for your research tasks. Outline the resources at your disposal for this research.
• Explain the role of ethical codes and ethics committees in research and prepare a consent form for participants of your research.
• Undertake literature search on your chosen research topic and note down key references in text and in a reference list.
Aim
This unit aims to develop learners’ skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to their higher education programme and professional development.
• Unit abstract
This unit is designed to develop learners’ understanding and confidence in the use of techniques and methods appropriate for research in health and social care. Learners will be expected to consider the elements that make up formal research, including the proposal, and methodologies.
They will also action plan carry out the research and presenting their findings. Learners will also consider ethical aspects of formal research.
The topic of the research project is dependent on the learner’s focus of interest within the context of their programme of study and experience in health and social care, with due regard to ethical constraints of research in this sector. The unit gives learners the opportunity to draw together learning from several aspects of their study into a coherent holistic piece of work that makes a positive contribution to their area of interest. Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting the study.
• Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
1 Understand how to formulate a research specification
2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
4 Be able to present the research outcomes.
L.O 1 Understand how to formulate a research specification
Types of research: qualitative; quantitative; tools for gathering primary data eg questionnaires, interviews; use of participants; sampling; validity; reliability eg variables and their control; resources; data storage; statistical techniques for data analysis eg distribution, statistical significance
Outline specifications of possible projects: aims and objectives; rationale for selection; literature review; hypothesis or research question; methodology for data collection and analysis; possible outcomes from suggested projects
Research project selection: critique of outline specifications eg scope, limitations; implications eg resources, ethical issues
Key references: books; journals; internet
Research project specification: aims and objectives; rationale for their selection; hypothesis or research question; justification (through literature review, skills and knowledge to be gained, resource availability including time); methodology for gathering primary data and data analysis
Ethical considerations: codes of practice; relating to participants eg informed consent, confidentiality of data, right to withdraw; data storage; analysis; audience for reporting of project
Plan: overall strategy and duration; tasks with target dates; presentation of results; scheduled monitoring process; recording of amendments to plan
L.O 2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
Match resources: to agreed plan; terms of reference; hypothesis or research question; ethical boundaries
Implementation: according to approved research plan; test for validity eg pilot res estimates for reliability
Data collection: selection of participants; selection of appropriate tools for data collection, eg question and questionnaire design, interview questions; systematic recording of data eg in transcripts; methodological problems eg bias, variables and their control, validity and reliability.
LO 3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
Evaluation of outcomes: judgement of the success or failure of the planned project justified eg in relation to research plan, aims and objectives, evidence and findings, sources of error, validity, reliability of data collected; difficulties
Data analysis and interpretation: quantitative eg using specialist software, statistical techniques; qualitative eg interpreting transcripts; sources of error; bias; comparisons; trends; additional secondary research as required; extent to which hypothesis proved or disproved or research question answered; significance of research investigation to health and social care eg benefits, furthering understanding, application of research results; limitations of the investigation; conclusion(s)
Recommendations: for further development eg areas for further research, improvements, changes to practice
L.O 4 Be able to present the research outcomes
Format: professional delivery format appropriate to the audience eg oral presentation, written
report; answering questions from audience on research project; use of academic referencing
Deliverables for Part 1
Assessment criteria
1
11.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
1 1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
1 1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references
1 1.4 Produce a research project specification
1.5 Provide an appropriate plan and procedures
for the agreed research specification
2.1 Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
PART 2 (2.2., 2.3., 3.1., 3.2., 3.3., 4.1)
Conduct a piece of research based on the research topic for your approved research proposal.
Deliverables for Part2
2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures.
2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate.
3.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques.
3.2 Interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification.
3.3 Make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration.
4.1 Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience
Merit descriptors Indicative characteristics Contextualised Indicative characteristics (All the characteristics need to be achieved)
M1
Identify and apply
strategies to find
appropriate solutions
An effective approach to study has been applied Has clearly applied effective judgement in identifying factors that contributed to the process of research project selection AND submitted work by the agreed due date
Opportunities to meet M1 are with Part 1, i.e. 1.2., 1.3., 1.4., 2.1.
M2
Select/design and apply appropriate methods/
techniques
The appropriate selection and design of methods and techniques / sources has been justified Has used appropriate methods to collect, record and collate relevant data in research study.
Opportunities to meet M2 are with Part 1, i.e. 1.4., 2.1, and Part 2, i.e. 2.3.
M3
Present and
communicate
appropriate findings
The appropriate structure and approach has been used and a range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used Has used an appropriate structure and approach to present whole research report for presentation.
Opportunities to meet M3 are with Part 1, i.e. 1.4, and Part 2, i.e. 4.1.
Distinction Descriptors Indicative characteristics Contextualised Indicative characteristics (All the characteristics need to be achieved)
D1
Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions
conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified
A critical synthesis of ideas have been demonstrated in research study and well justified conclusion(s) arrived at.
Opportunities to meet D1 are with Part 1, i.e. 2.1, and Part 2, i.e. 3.2., 3.3.
D2
Take responsibility for managing and organising activities
The activities have been manage, and the unforeseen has been accommodated
Activities have been managed and organised through use of an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification.
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