PMP Undergrad Research Dissertation L6 Assignment Brief 2 - Dissertation 2023-24 (1)
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ONCAMPUS Assignment Brief
Academic Year 2023-24
Please read this document carefully. It includes the learning outcomes, assignment task, information
about plagiarism and marking criteria. Please speak to your tutor if you have any questions.
Programme
Pre-Master’s Programme
Module
Undergraduate Research Dissertation L6
Assessment title
Research Dissertation
Deadline date
To be confirmed by your tutor
Weighting
This assessment counts for 80% of your overall grade for this module
Pass mark
40%
*please note your University may require a higher grade for progression.
Assignment summary
Following on from the development of your research proposal, making
sure you have taken on board feedback and reflection, you are now
required to execute your research dissertation as planned.
As you work through the module content in your classes, you will need to
apply the relevant areas to your own research focus independently as you
go along, ensuring that you meet regularly with your tutor/supervisor for
guidance, checking and challenging your process and content.
You are expected to submit sections of your paper for discussion along the
way as this is a critical part of your learning and development of the
research process rather than just the outcome.
Submission of work
http://www.turnitinuk.com
Feedback
http://www.turnitinuk.com
Feedback will also be communicated back to you via your tutor. They will
confirm the timescale in which you will receive your feedback.
Important details
Please follow the below instructions:
Word count
6,000 words
File type
Word processed
Font
12 pitch font – Arial or Times New Roman
Format
Double spaced and justified
Referencing
Harvard system
Notes
Your assignment must include page numbers and word count.
You will receive a 10% penalty for this assessment if you go over the word
count by
more than 10%.
If your assignment is significantly under the
word count, you may not have answered the question in full. This will be
reflected in your overall mark and feedback given by your tutor.
The word count does not include contents, end of text references or
appendices.
Module learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this assessment, you will have met the following module learning
outcomes:
Knowledge based outcomes:
LO2.
(part) Demonstrate a critical and analytical approach to reviewing relevant literature
LO3.
Critically evaluate the methods and value of research evidence in relation to validity and
relevance to the specific area of study
LO4.
Detail evidence-based conclusions and recommendations through critical evaluation and
analysis of material and data to inform practice
Assessment criteria:
In order to successfully complete this assessment and meet the above learning outcome, you must
satisfy the following criteria:
AC2.2
Critically analyse and evaluate the academic literature in relation to the area of research
AC3.1
Conduct primary and/or secondary research data collection using appropriate methods to
the research objectives
AC3.2
Critically evaluate the research methodology undertaken for primary and secondary
research, exploring sample selection, validity and ethical implications
AC3.3
Evidence and interpret the outcomes of the research effectively, detailing results and
statistical analysis as appropriate
AC4.1
Critically appraise the primary and/or secondary research evidenced and its relevance to
the research focus
AC4.2
Develop conclusions from research findings in relation to hypothesis/es and research
objectives
AC4.3
Make suitable recommendations and determine next steps for further research
Assignment instructions:
For this assignment you will now implement your planned research proposal and complete a research
dissertation within your chosen academic field. You will need to conduct primary research data
collection alongside any relevant secondary research.
Your research dissertation must cover the sections below with a word count of 6000 words.
Title and Abstract (300 words)
A summary of your research dissertation
Section 1: Introduction (500 words)
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2
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8
The following points should be covered:
The context of your research project and how it relates to your field of study
The rationale and value of the project
The research aim(s) / problem and objectives / questions your research aims to answer
The hypothesis/es
This section may be a refined and developed version from your research proposal and your final draft
completed at the end of the research dissertation.
Section 2: Literature Review (1700 words)
Identify the theme or trend that your reading of the literature has identified
Introduce the evidence – what do the studies say?
Explore the evidence - how do they link together?
Critically analyse and evaluate the literature – what is your interpretation? Are the claims valid and
reliable? Are there any limitations in the studies? Can you challenge any points/findings?
https://libguides.shu.ac.uk/literaturereviews
Section 3: Methodology (1200 words)
Research methodology – research paradigm, primary/secondary, qualitative/quantitative?
Why did
you choose the method(s)?
Research design – the approach you have taken and the method used to collect data, e.g.
questionnaires, interviews, focus groups etc
Explain your approach to sample selection
Critically evaluate your research methodology, design and approach, discuss and challenge any
limitations in your methodology including validity, reliability, bias and/or ethics
Section 4: Results and Findings (1800 words)
Present your research findings – using statistical tests, figures, tables, diagrams for quantitative data
Explain, evidence and interpret your qualitative findings
Triangulate your research findings
Ensure that you address your research questions/objectives
Critically appraise your research findings – compare and contrast with existing literature; are there
limitations, errors, further questions resulting from your findings?
Develop your theory and evaluate its relevance to the area of study
Section 5: Conclusion and Recommendations (500 words)
Develop conclusions from your research in relation to your research focus and what you have
discovered linked to your literature review and hypothesis/es
Make suitable recommendations and consider your next steps for further development
Bibliography
Using Harvard Referencing (or alternative as directed by your centre)
Appendices
Include any relevant appendices
At stages throughout the process, you will be asked for draft submissions and expected to discuss
these with your tutor/supervisor. Failure to do this could result in a dissertation that does not
evidence the necessary learning and development for progression to a master’s degree.
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*word count for each section is a guide only
Academic Offences
We expect all submitted work to be your own words (apart from in-text quotations), written in a style
that reflects your English language level. The following are all academic offences and will result in a
penalty being applied:
Plagiarism - copying other people’s work and presenting it as your own;
Contract cheating - when a third party (e.g. essay-writing service) receives payment to produce
work on your behalf;
Using AI Tools e.g. ChatGPT to produce your work, unless included as part of the assignment
task;
Collusion - when a piece of work is produced with the assistance of another person/s;
Translation - where work has been directly translated from your first language, using an online
translator or translation app.
The full details of our Academic Offences Policy can be found in the Programme Handbook on Moodle.
You must complete the Coursework Submission Declaration to declare that all work submitted is
your own. This must be uploaded to Turnitin before the first summative piece of work and covers all
work submitted during your programme of study. Your Centre will provide you with a copy of the
Declaration and instructions on when this should be submitted.
If you have not submitted your Declaration, each assignment may be rejected and may result in a
mark of 0 being awarded.
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Marking criteria - Research Dissertation
Incomplete/Unsatisfactor
y
Competent
Strong
Exceptional
Total
Marks
Mark as
%
Weighted %
0-3 marks
4-5 marks
6-8 marks
9-10 marks
/10
%
x weighting
Abstract
5%
Poor abstract which may
just identify each step
rather than a summary of
the focus, methods and
findings
Unable to determine the
use or relevance of the
paper
A reasonable attempt to provide
a succinct description of the
purpose of the research paper,
identifying main key points and
any implications
A well written abstract that
captures the essence of the
study and provides the reader
with an overall sense of the
purpose and findings of the
paper
An excellent abstract that draws
the reader in and encapsulates
what has transpired in the study
Provides enough information to
determine the use of the paper
for citation and further reading
Multiplied
by 0.05
Introduction
5%
A poor/unclear attempt to
identify a reasonable
research
problem/question
Context is not relevant to
an appropriate field of
study
Research objectives are
not clear or linked to the
research focus
The context of the research focus
is clear with some rationale as to
the purpose and value of the
project
There are clearly defined aims
and objectives, linking to a
hypothesis(es)
The research focus may still be
too ambitious or vague as to the
relevance for the student,
however, there is a feasible
research idea and question to
follow
The clarity and purpose of the
research focus is very clear and
defined with specific objectives
which should address the
research question(s) suitably
A well thought out and
reasoned hypothesis(es) is
given and the overall
introduction is coherent and
purposeful
The context of the research
focus is valuable and has clearly
been thought about carefully
The objectives provided show
direct correlation with the
research question(s) and the
reader is able to see direct links
as to how these objectives
would contribute to the
required outcome and link to
the reasoned hypothesis(es)
At this level there will be
minimum scope for
improvement
Multiplied
by 0.05
Literature
Review
20%
AC2.2
Very limited evidence of
independent reading
and/or inappropriate
sources
Engagement with the
literature is very
superficial or presented in
a descriptive way with no
application or appraisal
Provides some evidence to
support the central position with
minimal research sources (min. 5)
Some sources may not be
relevant, accurate, and reliable
and/or appropriately referenced
and cited in the paper, yet there
has been an attempt to source
literature with relation to the
Provides evidence of a broader
reading from appropriate
sources
There is a good attempt to
apply the literature and
evidence of developing ability
to appraise material critically
through challenging and
questioning validity and
Evidence of a broad and/or in
depth independent reading
from appropriate sources
Choice of sources clearly
enhances fulfilment of the
research objectives
Accurate and systematic
application of material with
well-developed critical appraisal
Multiplied
by 0.2
research focus and explore links
to the research focus
Some evidence of analysis and
evaluation though this may be
limited and require further
development
limitations
Key theories are applied
correctly within the context of
the research focus
Methodology
15%
AC3.1, AC3.2
Choice of methodology
and relationship to
information and/or data
being collected is not clear
or relevant
Sample selection has very
little relevance or impact
on the research focus
No attempt made to
critique the research
methodology undertaken
An appropriate method of
primary research data collection
has been used and secondary
research is relevant
Some justification for the
research methodology approach
is provided although there may
be limitations in the selection and
link to the research objectives
Some consideration has been
made with regards to sampling,
validity and ethical implications
An attempt has been made to
critically analyse the research
methodology undertaken
The process and selection of
methodology is effective and
appropriate to the aims and
objectives of the research
project and a good rationale for
its selection is provided
Sampling has been carefully
considered and there is
understanding of various
implications in relation to this
A good attempt made to
critically analyse the research
methodology undertaken and
how it impacts on the findings
A convincing, self-determined
choice of methodology which
enables the successful
collection and recording of
information and/or data
Sample is justified and there is
clear evidence as to the validity
of the sample selection
The reader is able to
understand the impact of the
methodology chosen on the
findings through a strong critical
evaluation
Multiplied
by 0.15
Results and
Findings
25%
AC3.3, AC4.1
Information and/or data is
poorly
organised/displayed and is
not analysed to extract
understanding from the
research findings
Clear presentation of research
findings with a reasonable
attempt at detailing results and
summarising any qualitative or
quantitative findings
Some evidence of triangulation
Attempts to address research
questions/objectives and link to
existing literature, though this
may be limited/tenuous
Demonstrates general
understanding with limited
analysis of the research topic and
thesis (argument)
Summarises perspectives,
counter-arguments, or opposing
positions
Research findings are presented
and organised using clear
structures/processes to answer
research questions/objectives
Triangulation attempted to
extract new information
Makes good use of a range of
relevant analytical techniques
and shows developed ability to
compare alternative theories
and approaches where relevant
Demonstrates a command of
relevant analytical techniques
and the ability to apply these to
new and/or abstract
information and situations
Information and/or data is
synthesised / triangulated to
construct emergent ideas which
seek to answer the research
focus
Displays a good understanding
of the limits or appropriate uses
of the analytical approaches
Multiplied
by 0.25
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6
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Conclusion
and
Recommenda
tions
15%
AC4.2, AC4.3
Limited or ineffective
attempt to draw together
conclusions from the
process and project
Conclusion may simply
repeat sections of the
project or contain
unsubstantiated and/or
invalid points
A simple/general conclusion that
summarises the research findings
and draws key points or
assumptions from these
There is an attempt to align with
literature and hypothesis(es),
although this may have lost some
focus along the way
Consideration had been made
with regards to
recommendations, however
these may be generic and/or
basic
A good conclusion showing
development and insight to the
process and project overall
There is a good link to the
literature, evidence and theory,
forming an integrated part of
overall argument and/or
discussion
Reasonable recommendations
made
Conclusion is considerably well
developed and shows originality
Forms an integrated part of the
overall argument and/or
discussion, reflecting a grasp of
theory/evidence/literature to a
relevant conceptualisation
Clearly though out
recommendations are provided
which are valuable and provide
clear development for future
study
Multiplied
by 0.15
Academic
writing and
referencing
15%
Ranging from a very poor
to an overly
simplistic/inappropriate
academic style with
significant deficiencies in
expression or format that
may pose obstacles for the
reader.
No or limited use of
sources to support a point.
No or minimal attempt to
use Harvard referencing
Competently written, with only
minor lapses from standard
grammar/spelling, which do not
impede the overall meaning.
An appropriate format is used and
academic style is emerging.
Reasonable use of sources to
support points.
Uses Harvard referencing
throughout, though may be some
formatting errors.
Well written, with standard
spelling and grammar in a
readable style with acceptable
format. Consistent use of
academic style. Some minor
non-impeding language errors.
Appropriate range of sources,
well organised and uses Harvard
referencing with only minor
formatting errors.
Excellently written, with minimal
errors in spelling and grammar.
Academic style is applied
skilfully and appropriately.
Excellent range of sources, with
clear links between all sections
and logical to the reader.
Uses Harvard referencing with
no/isolated errors.
Multiplied
by 0.15
TOTAL -
Sum of weighted %
Example:
Page
7
of
8
Page
8
of
8