Aim of Unit 4 Research Project
The aim of Unit 4 Research Project is to develop research analytical skills so as to carry out a research project successfully. This provides information regarding various research techniques and tools to carry out the investigation process of the research. Formal research consists of the proposal, various methodologies, data collection and analysis of findings and an action plan for carrying out the research productively. This unit further helps the learners to identify the area of interest and the expected outcomes. This also helps the learner to gather information for carrying out research successfully. Different types of methodologies and the ways to form a proposal will also be made understood in this unit.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
- Understand how to formulate a researchspecification
- Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and tospecification
- Be able to evaluate the researchoutcomes
- Be able to present the researchoutcomes.
LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification
In this section, the learners will be able to acquire knowledge regarding the formulation of research aims and objectives. They will also be able to form a rationale for the selected topic and understand the methods for collecting data with primary sources. A literature review including critic references from secondary sources will also be demonstrated in the section. The secondary sources can be books, journals and internet. This section also determines the scope and limitations of the project. A hypothesis, an action plan including milestones, questions, tasks, dates and strategy for monitoring will also be covered. This section will also help learners to acquire knowledge about different research design and to select a design that is suitable for their research.
LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
This section will help the learners to understand the ways to implement the research project as per methodologies, research design, test validity and reliability of the project. Data can be collected through several tools and techniques such as qualitative and quantitative methods considering the methodological problems that might occur such as bias, validity, reliability and control of variables. Moreover, to analyse the collected data special software can be used such as statistical tables coding techniques, trends and forecasting.
LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
In this section, the evaluation of research outcomes will be done to acquire an idea regarding the success or failure of the project. This will be done with respect to planning, aims and objectives, data and findings, reliability, validity, benefits, difficulties and conclusion. This section will also focus on future considerations such as the application and implications of research results, required improvements and recommendations for future growth.
LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes
This section will help the learners to analyse the format of representing the outcomes of the research. The format will be such that it is appropriate and appealing to the audience and appropriate media.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
| Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: | Assessment criteria for passing the learner can: |
| LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification | formulate and record possible research project outline specifications identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection undertake a critical review of key references produce a research project specification provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification |
| LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification | match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures record and collate relevant data where appropriate |
| LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes | use appropriate research evaluation techniques interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration |
| LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes | 4.1 use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience |
Links
This unit may be linked to single or several units in the programme, depending on the research topic and the context of the learner’s area of learning.
It can be linked to Unit 17: Work-based Experience and gives learners the opportunity to undertake research in the same organisation in which they undertook their placement.