Assessment 2: Research Project (60%)
Word Limit: 2,500 words
Submission date: Thursday 30th January 2025, by 3pm.
Students will devise a research question that can be answered using a digital methods approach, using Zeeschuimer and 4CAT. Other data collection tools are not permitted.
The research project MUST be approved by the module convenor in advance, by completing this form. before 9am, December 17th.
The student will undertake the relevant research and produce a report which summarises the research and findings and the methods used. The report will reflect on the strengths and limitations of the chosen tool and methods, the extent to which they shape the research questions that can be asked and the data that can be found, and the ethical challenges and implications of using these methods. Students should use the following structure for their project report.
1. Title
2. Introduction (200 words). Brief presentation of research topic and research problem.
3. Relevant literature & Research Question (300). Briefly review relevant literature and conclude with the presentation of your specific research question.
4. Data, Methods and Ethics (800). Consider the following issues:
· What data have you collected and analysed?
· Why is the data relevant to your research question?
· How did you gather the data? Describe the sample period if relevant.
· What analysis have you carried out?
· Explain the reasons why your analytical techniques were the best way to address your research question.
· Discuss the ethical issues connected to the research.
5. Findings and Discussion (600): present your findings (with paraphrased quotes, visualisations, tables if relevant).
6. Conclusion (600). Use these prompts as a guide:
· What answer can you provide to your research question?
· How does this answer compare to existing research on the topic (do your findings align with existing research or does it suggest new developments)?
· What limitations are there in your research (critically discuss possible flaws in the methodology)?
· What possible ways could the research be developed and improved in the future?