Recognise and understand the different methods of collecting data in quantitative and qualitative research approaches; the basis of selecting methods of data collection and understand the ethics underpinning the collection of data.

Unit title & code

ASS110-2 Research 1: Collecting Data

Assignment number and title

One – A plan for primary data collection

Assignment type

PJ-PRO

Weighting of assignment

100%

Size or length of assessment

2,000 words

Unit learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding:

Recognise and understand the different methods of collecting data in quantitative and qualitative research approaches; the basis of selecting methods of data collection and understand the ethics underpinning the collection of data.

2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

Able to choose a method of collecting data that is appropriate to answer a research question.  The ability to identify to ethical principles that underpin the respective methods of data collection chosen.

What am I required to do in this assignment?

Assessment 1 is a 2000 word primary data collection plan. You are expected to choose one of the five broad topic areas provided, specify a social group, develop a specific research question for primary research relating to the chosen topic area, discuss the methods of data collection and ethics, and create a topic guide, a discussion guide or a questionnaire (depending on your choice of research methods).

The five topics areas are as follows (you must choose one and link the topic to a social group of your choice):

1. Social media
2. Education
3. Care (including health care, social care, formal care, informal care)
4. Mental health
5. Crime and Justice

Students must include the following sections in their data collection plan:

• Research question, background and rationale - a research question relating to the chosen topic area and a specific social group, background and rationale (500 words)

• Method of data collection and ethics – you must choose one of three methods as your method of data collection: semi-structured interviews, focus groups or a survey. You must discuss in detail your research approaches, the method you chose, the rationale for choosing the method, sampling strategy and ethics (1,000 words).

• Data collection tools - a comprehensive topic guide (an interview guide) OR a focus group discussion guide OR a survey questionnaire depending on your chosen method (500 words)

• You must use a minimum of 6 academic sources (ONLY peer-reviewed journal articles and academic books count). You must use academic sources for both the background and rationale section and the methods and ethics section. For the methods and ethics section, it is recommended that you use at least two books on social research methods.

• Choosing a topic area does not mean that you have to include the topic itself in your question. For example, if you choose mental health, you do not have to include the term ‘mental health’ itself in your question. You can choose to look at one aspect of mental health or a specific mental health condition, such as depression. As long as your question is related to mental health and feasible, you can use the question.

• You are expected to develop a specific research question. You would have to specify a social group and you may also have to add an extra variable related to your topic area in order to do this. For instance, if your topic area is social media, your question can be ‘To what extent does the use of social media affect young people’s self-esteem?’. As you can see from this question, there is a need to specify a social group (young people) and add another variable (self-esteem) to narrow down the scope and develop a feasible research question.

• It is strongly recommended that you start developing your research question early and have your question confirmed by the seminar tutor before starting working on your assignment.

• You must choose an appropriate research method (method of data collection) which allows you to collect the data you need for answering your research question. Think about what would be the most appropriate method that can be used to answer your question.

• You do NOT need to discuss methods of data analysis in this assignment.

• Ensure that you include your in-text references. In all cases, in-text references must match up with what appears in your reference list. Every in-text citation should correspond to a reference on the list at the end (and vice versa).

• You must use the Harvard referencing system. The University officially advises students to use the following website for referencing guidelines:  https://www.citethemrightonline.com/

• No more than 5% of your work should be in the form of quotes.

• You must write in your own words. You are reminded that plagiarism of any type will be penalised and result in a fail.

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

• Demonstrate knowledge of data collection methods for qualitative and/or quantitative research.

• Use a combination of a research topic and a social group to formulate a research question and develop a data collection plan.

• Identify a method of data collection that is appropriate to answer the research question and discuss ethical implications

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

Students are expected to read the assignment brief carefully (especially the rubric in the ‘Marks and Feedback’ section) and complete this section

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

This unit allows you to engage and explore data collection methods in groups in the classroom setting. There will be exercises involving creating a short topic guide or a questionnaire in the class. You will also learn about the basics of social research in the scheduled sessions, including steps involved in developing a research question. The formation of a research question, the discussion of the methods of data collection and the development of a topic guide or a questionnaire are the three key tasks you are required to do for this assignment.