Word Count : 2000 words
Learning Outcomes :
The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful
completion of the task below include:
a) Demonstrate digital, information, and communication literacy.
b) Integrate critical analysis and problem- solving skills within an independent research project.
c) Prescribe key methodologies in your research design.
Step 1: Thesis Title
Your title should be clear and specific to clearly convey what the research is about.
Maximum of 15 words.
Step 2: Aims & Objectives
The purpose and overall aim of your research will be revealed through identification of the broad research objective(s).
You need to clearly identify what the purpose of the research is. This will be based on what you are trying to achieve with your research.
This section aligns to your background and clearly addresses a gap in the current literature in your field.
The objective should essentially identify what the potential outcome of your research will be. Make sure that this is a focused statement. In essence, your research objectives must be able to answer this statement: “The purpose of this research is …”
Step 3: Background
In this section you will explain why this research is important.
Therefore, you need to demonstrate your understanding of your research area and identify the potential significant contribution that the research from your thesis will make to your field.
Essentially then this section will briefly describe how your chosen topic fits within the larger context of your research area.
Typically, this means identifying that a research gap exists and identifying that your research will address this niche area.
This should be linked to a discussion of the rationale or significance of your research focus that highlights for the reader what the validity of your research is.
The significance discussion may position your research study’s contribution with the field of your discipline’s knowledge, and also identify the potential research outcomes wider implications or applications.
Some brief details of your methods and an outline of the structure of the report may also be included in this section.
Note: your literature review (Assessment 2) will deepen the situational context surrounding your
research topic revealing your strong understanding of the key topics, by identifying the significant
studies and respected researchers in your area.
Step 4: Research Question(s)
This section requires you to formulate your research objectives as a research question(s).
This section is of fundamental importance, as the credibility and validity of your research outcomes will largely be influenced by the proper construction of your problem definition, articulated through your research questions.
o Your research questions inform your research design, a critical component of achieving robust and reliable outcomes.
o Specifically, your research questions will determine whether you will undertake Qualitative research, Quantitative research or Mixed method research (a combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods).
Referencing Style
It is essential that you use appropriate APA (7) style for citing and referencing research.