Unit Outline

In this unit you will use your research skills to debate, examine and analyse theoretical and methodological approaches to research in the social sciences disciplines. You will also develop a research proposal that incorporates, appropriate to your discipline, effective research design, data collection and data analysis techniques, and coverage of relevant ethical issues.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Explain the key elements of research design in the social sciences.
2.	Analyse the role of concepts and theory in framing research projects.
3.	Evaluate discipline-relevant methodology and methods traditions in social science research.
4.	Communicate your ideas clearly and in conformity to disciplinary standards.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes have been made including some adjustment to assessment weightings and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2024, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s eVALUate surveys following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Thesis Research Question	Week 5	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Presentation on Draft Research Proposal	Week 8	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Research Proposal	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Thesis Research Question

Task Description:

Introduce your topic, present your research questions and aims, and explain the significance of your research.

See MyLO for further information.

Task Length:

1000 words

Due Date:

Week 5 (05/Apr/2024)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Specify the substantive and theoretical focus of the project	LO1, LO2
2	Justify the project with reference to its disciplinary context	LO1
3	Communicate in accordance with disciplinary standards	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Presentation on Draft Research Proposal

Task Description:

Prepare a short presentation based on your draft research proposal. The presentation must include: project title, aims and research questions, background, the significance of the project, and the conceptual or theoretical framework.

See MyLO for further information.

Task Length:

Maximum 15-minute presentation with no more than 5 PowerPoint slides

Due Date:

Week 8 (22/Apr/2024)

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain and justify the research design underpinning the project	LO1
2	Integrate concepts and theory relevant to the research disciplinary area	LO2
3	Communicate in accordance with disciplinary standards	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Research Proposal

Task Description:

Write a research proposal that incorporates: a statement of your research questions; locates the proposed research in the relevant literature; explains the significance of your research; outlines and justifies the project methodological approach; and (where relevant) explains the ethical issues applicable to the project.

See MyLO for further information.

Task Length:

2500-3000 words

Due Date:

Week 13 (31/May/2024)

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain and justify the research design underpinning the project, including relevant ethical issues (where relevant)	LO1
2	Integrate concepts and theory relevant to the research disciplinary area	LO2
3	Provide a clear link between research questions, theoretical and methodological approach, and methods as appropriate to your discipline area	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Communicate clearly in accordance with disciplinary standards	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.