Unit 62 Research Project

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 enable learners to gain confidence in using research techniques and

methods. It addresses the elements that make up formal research including the proposal, a

variety of research methodologies, action planning, carrying out the research and presenting

the findings. To complete this unit satisfactorily, learners must understand the theory that

underpins formal research. The research itself will depend on learners, the context of their

area of learning, their focus of interest and the anticipated outcomes. This unit draws

together a range of other areas of content from within the programme of study to form a

holistic piece of work that will make a positive contribution to the learner’s area of interest.

Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting their research project.

• 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. 

Unit content

1 Understand how to formulate a research specification

Research formulation: aims and objectives; rationale for selection; methodology for data

collection and analysis; literature review; critique of references from primary sources

e.g. questionnaires, surveys, interviews; secondary sources e.g. books, journals,

internet; scope and limitations; resource implications

Hypothesis: definition; suitability; skills and knowledge to be gained; aims and

objectives; terms of reference; duration; ethical issues

Action plan: rationale for research question or hypothesis; milestones; task dates;

review dates; monitoring/reviewing process; strategy

Research design: type of research e.g. qualitative, quantitative, systematic, original;

methodology; resources; statistical analyses; validity; reliability; control of variables

2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to

specification

Implement: according to research design and method; test research hypotheses;

considering test validity; reliability

Data collection: selection of appropriate tools for data collection; types e.g. qualitative

and quantitative; systematic recording; methodological problems e.g. bias, variables,

control of variables, validity, reliability

Data analysis and interpretation: qualitative and quantitative data analysis (interpreting

transcripts); coding techniques; specialist software; statistical tables; comparison of

variable; trends; forecasting

3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes

Evaluation of outcomes: overview of the success or failure of the research project

(planning, aims and objectives, evidence and findings, validity, reliability, benefits,

difficulties, conclusions)

Future consideration: significance of research investigation; application of research

results; implications; limitations of the investigation; improvements; recommendations

for the future, areas for future research

4 Be able to present the research outcomes

Format: professional delivery format appropriate to the audience; use of appropriate

media 

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes

On successful completion ofthis unit a learner will:

Assessment criteria for pass

The learner can:

LO1

Understand how to formulate a

research specification

1.1 formulate and record possible research project outline

specifications

1.2 identify the factors that contribute to the process of

research project selection

1.3 undertake a critical review of key references

1.4 produce a research project specification

1.5 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

2.1 match resources efficiently to the research question

or hypothesis

2.2 undertake the proposed research investigation in

accordance with the agreed specification and

procedures

2.3 record and collate relevant data where appropriate

LO3

Be able to evaluate the research

outcomes

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

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 

Guidance 

Essential requirements

Tutors will need to establish the availability of resources to support independent study before

learners proceed with their proposals.

It is essential that a culture of health and safety is embedded in all the units to ensure that

the learners understand the importance and relevance of health and safety issues. Therefore

there should be clearly signposted aspects of current legislation and health, safety

Unit 62 Research Project