The summative assessment includes the required element to successfully complete this module. A coherent and balanced dissertation proposal of 2,500 words needs to be produced individually by each student and submitted through SurreyLearn. The Executive Summary is included in the 2,500 words, but the References are excluded. There is no +/- 10% regarding word count. Students may choose any topic which is relevant to their study programme and develop their individual assignment structure. This dissertation proposal may be used as the basis for their programme dissertation, but this is not essential i.e. a student can choose a different topic for their dissertation. No data collection is required or envisaged within this module. The Grade Descriptors (p.13) will be used to assess all submissions.
A good research proposal:
• Includes an Executive Summary at the beginning
• Defines precisely its topic and research objectives
• Outlines the relevant context
• Critically reviews available literature
• Identifies data needs and sources
• Presents and justifies the research method
• Acknowledges any weaknesses of the selected research method
• Categorises and manages relevant ethical challenges
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There are a number of reasons for requiring a research proposal as a summative assessment:
• It gives impetus to get going and start planning research!
• Reading around the subject area helps to ensure that there is enough literature to enable a student to complete a critical literature review.
• If there is not sufficient literature then there is a need to broaden or change the selected topic.
• On the contrary, if there is a lot of literature there will be a need to narrow further the selected topic.
• Such a planning process is vital in shaping ideas and defining the research setting for a methodical piece of research and will ensure a better end result.
