The document provides guidance for Assessment item 1. Students are instructed to write a 1500-word analysis of a selected research paper that considers the appropriateness of the research design and is underpinned by research methods literature. Students should discuss elements of the research paper like the philosophical approach, qualitative vs. quantitative methods, sampling, and ethical considerations. The analysis should also consider alternative approaches and draw conclusions about the importance of research design choices.

1. Assessment item 1 guidance

2. All information regarding assessment is
on Blackboard
Marking criteria – guidance on what we
are looking for (module handbook on
Blackboard)

3. Write an analysis of a research paper
(selected from a list available on
blackboard) which considers the research
design chosen. Provide a discussion on
the appropriateness of the decisions made
underpinning your response with the
research methods literature. (1500 words -
/+ 10%)

4.  Reading list in module handbook
 Research methods literature – plenty
available in the LRC
 Other journal articles which address
methodological concerns
• There are research methods journals
 This all backs up your critical appraisals –
marking criteria specifies that your draw
on other literature and not just the article.

5. Philosophical approaches –
interpretivist/positivist?
Qualitative v’s quantitative
Methods employed – interviews, visual
research, questionnaires, observations
etc
The sample
Ethical considerations

6. Alternative approaches – could they
have used different approaches to
improve their data? Are the research
choices justified?
Conclusions…what can you conclude
about the approaches and why do we
need to consider the approaches we
choose? What makes a well designed
piece of research