LO1: Demonstrate the ability to formulate a research question.
HSC503- Research Project
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Centre Name |
Inspire London College |
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Qualification |
QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care |
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Unit Number and Title |
HSC503- Research Project |
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Unit Level |
5 |
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Unit Type |
Mandatory |
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Credit Value |
40 |
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Word Count |
4000 +10% |
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Grading Criteria |
Refer |
Pass/Merit/Distinction |
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Required Formatting |
Use Times New Roman (Body) Font Style, Size 12 for Text, Size 13 (Bold) for Headings, 12 (Bold) for Subheadings, Justified alignment, single-spaced. |
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Plagiarised Content Information |
Ensure your work is original and demonstrates your own understanding and research. |
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AI Content Information |
All assignments must be entirely self-written. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited. |
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In-text Citation Requirement |
You are required to include In-text citations for each assessment criterion and list all sources in a Bibliography section. |
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Assignment Grading Information |
Submit your assignment by the deadline specified by your tutor. Early submissions will be marked within seven to ten working days from the official due date. |
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Student Declaration |
Every coursework submission must include a Signed Learner Declaration confirming the authenticity of your work. |
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Unit Aim: |
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This unit aims to develop the learner’s skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a small pilot investigation of direct relevance to their higher education programme or professional development. |
Assignment Title |
Research Project |
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Assessment Requirements: |
To achieve a “Pass” for this unit, learners must provide clear and sufficient evidence demonstrating that all learning outcomes have been met and that each assessment criterion has been fully addressed in accordance with the required standards. |
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES: |
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LO1: Demonstrate the ability to formulate a research question. LO2: Undertake a pilot research project which does not require ethical approval. LO3: Critically evaluate research outcomes. Refer to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria below to write your responses in the assignment worksheet. |
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LEARNING OUTCOME: |
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: |
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To achieve this unit, a learner must know and is able to: |
Assessment of these outcomes demonstrates that a learner can: |
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LO1: Demonstrate the ability to formulate a research question. |
1.1 Describe the 2 theoretical perspectives behind research. 1.2 Develop a research question. 1.3 Justify the theoretical perspective chosen to answer your research question. 1.4 Critically review appropriate literature. |
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LO2: Undertake a pilot research project which does not require ethical approval. |
2.1 Evaluate different methodologies used in research and identify appropriate one to answer your research question. 2.2 Evaluate the differing data collection methods available for your methodology. 2.3 Discuss and carry out data collection. |
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LO3: Critically evaluate research outcomes. |
3.1 Evaluate and present data collected in an appropriate manner. 3.2 Critically evaluate results, producing discussion and conclusions. 3.3 Develop a short presentation to disseminate findings. 3.4 Produce a critique of the process and the limitations of the project. |
Guidance Notes |
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Theoretical Perspective: A theoretical perspective is the lens or viewpoint used to understand and explore a research topic. It guides how data is interpreted and what aspects of a problem are focused on. Research Methodology: Research methodology is the overall strategy or plan for conducting a study. It includes the type of research (qualitative or quantitative) and how data will be collected and analysed. Pilot Research Project: A pilot research project is a small-scale study done to test your research approach before carrying out a full project. It helps identify potential problems and refine your methods. Data Collection Methods: These are the tools and techniques used to gather information in a study. Examples include surveys, interviews, observations, or questionnaires, depending on your research question. Critique of the Process This means reviewing how the research was done, what worked, what did not, and what could be improved. It also includes noting any weaknesses or limitations in your approach or results. |
Suggested Resources |
Recommended resources
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780335238675/Research-Open-Study-Skills-Loraine-033523867X/plp
Available at: https://www.vitalsource.com/en-uk/products/research-methods-in-health-investigating-health-ann-bowling-v0335262759
Available at: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/nursing-research-9781137281265/ Websites |
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Guidelines for Assignment Completion and Submission |
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Points to consider |
Explanation |
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Academic Integrity and Authenticity Guidelines |
Learners must ensure that all submitted work is their own, authentic, and relevant to each assignment criterion. Plagiarism: using someone else’s work without proper referencing and collusion, submitting similar work with others are serious offences. Self-plagiarism, or reusing previously submitted work without approval, is also not allowed. Avoid relying on AI-generated content, as it may lack originality and academic depth. Focus on aligning your responses with the specific action verbs in the criteria (e.g., evaluate, describe, explain). All submissions must include a statement of authenticity with a word count and a plagiarism similarity report using tools like Grammarly or ScanMyEssay. ILC recommends the following to check plagiarism/similarity. https://www.grammarly.com/plagiarism-checker https://www.scanmyessay.com Learners are required to attach the similarity report in the submission slot or email to the tutor. |
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Avoid Using AI-Generated Content |
Refrain from relying on AI-generated content for your assignments. Such content lacks depth, originality, and relevance, and could lead to academic integrity issues. Focus on creating authentic work that reflects your own understanding and research. |
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Referencing and In-text Citation Requirements |
Learners are expected to use the Harvard Referencing System to acknowledge all sources, methodologies, and applications used. In-text citations must be included for each criterion, with full references listed in the bibliography section, following correct Harvard formatting. Only use credible, peer-reviewed sources such as books, journals, and articles published from recent five years. Avoid unreliable sources like blogs, Wikipedia, or job sites. Proper referencing reflects academic integrity and ensures adherence to scholarly standards. |
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Relevancy of Content |
Align the content with each assignment criterion. Focus on the action verbs (e.g., assess, evaluate, identify, describe, demonstrate, explain) mentioned in the criteria and modify your responses accordingly. Irrelevant information may result in your work being referred for further improvement. |
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Duplication/self-Plagiarism |
Submitting work that largely repeats material previously graded for the same or another course, here or elsewhere, counts as self-plagiarism, unless it’s an improved version approved for reassessment. This is considered academic misconduct. |
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Material Proofreading |
Use Microsoft Word`s grammar and spell check, the use of Grammarly is strictly prohibited due to its AI text-generation capabilities |
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Word Count Policy and Adherence |
Learners must complete the assignment within the required word count of 4000 words, with a permitted margin of +10%. This word count excludes the index, headings, tables, images, footnotes, appendices, and reference list. Strict adherence to the word count is essential. Submitting significantly less may lead to refer, while exceeding the limit can affect clarity and assessment. Learners are advised to plan and structure their content effectively to meet both the word limit and the quality expectations. Make sure your work is Valid, Relevant, Sufficient, Clear, and Authentic. |
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Appendices |
You may include appendices with supporting information, but they must be clearly referenced in your assignment. Tables, graphs, diagrams, Gantt charts, and flowcharts that support your report should be added at the end of your submitted document. Any published sources, like annual reports or company literature, must be cited in the text using Harvard referencing and listed at the end of your assignment. |
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Assignment Formatting Requirements |
Follow the formatting guidelines below. Use Times New Roman (Body) Font Style, Size 12 for Text, Size 13 (Bold) for Headings, 12 (Bold) for Subheadings, Justified alignment, single-spaced. Include the assessment criterion statement before each response for clarity. Proper formatting ensures a professional presentation and may impact your overall grade. |
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Paragraph Form and Suitable Headings |
Avoid using unnecessary bullet points and short sentences. Instead, address each criterion in a well-structured paragraph with appropriate headings. This ensures clarity and coherence in your writing, making it easier for evaluators to follow your argument. Make sure that each criterion is clearly presented with proper formatting, including headings, paragraphs, and consistent style throughout. |
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Comprehensive Coverage of Criteria according to Assignment brief |
Address all the criteria listed in the assignment brief. Missing any criterion could result in not achieving a passing grade. Make sure your response fully addresses and gives appropriate consideration to each criterion. Additionally, follow the additional guidelines or scenarios (if given) in the brief to stay relevant to the demand of the criteria. |
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Case Studies and Visual Aids (if applicable) |
Incorporate relevant case studies, smart art, and figures to enhance the effectiveness of your content. This incorporation can make complex information more engaging, potentially earning you extra marks. |
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Updated and Peer-Reviewed Sources |
Consult recent (within the past five years) peer-reviewed articles, journals, and books. Relying on current and credible sources enhances your arguments and shows that you are informed about the latest developments in your field. |
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Submission Regulations and Assignment Grading Information |
You must submit your coursework online via the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a single electronic document in .docx format by the due date. Submissions will be graded within seven to ten working days after the deadline. |
Key Terminologies |
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Describe |
To describe means to create a picture with words, but not simply writing a list of bullet points. Your description should include relevant details that help the reader fully understand the subject. |
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Analyse |
To analyse something means to examine it carefully and in detail to gain a deeper understanding or explanation. This involves identifying the key components or ideas of the subject and exploring the relationships and connections between them. |
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Evaluate |
To evaluate, decide on your subject’s significance, value, or quality after carefully studying its good and bad features. Use authoritative (e.g., from established authors or theorists in the field) and, to some extent, personal appraisal of both contributions and limitations of the subject. Similar to assessing. |
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Discuss |
To discuss in an essay, consider your subject from different points of view. Examine, analyse and present considerations for and against the problem or statement. |
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Critically |
Often used in conjunction with other directive words, such as critically discuss, critically examine or critically analyse. It does not mean to criticise. It is asking you to give a balanced answer that points out mistakes or weaknesses and any favourable aspects of the subject of the question. The decision or overall judgment you make must be supported with evidence from reliable sources. |
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Outline |
To outline is to give a clear and structured summary of the main points or stages of a topic. It should be brief, focused, and show the overall structure without going into deep detail. |
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Compare |
To compare is to examine two or more items or ideas and highlight their similarities and differences. This may also include evaluating their significance or impact in a given context. |
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Identify |
To identify means to clearly recognise and name specific facts, features, people, problems, or ideas. It often involves listing or pointing out key elements without needing to explain them in detail. |
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Describe |
To describe means to create a picture with words, but not simply writing a list of bullet points. |
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Explain |
To explain something, you will need to provide a clear account of your understanding, including details like why and how. |
HSC503 Research Project – What AC 1.1 Means for Your Research Question
The HSC503 Research Project, part of the QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care, requires a 4,000-word assignment and a small pilot investigation. One important decision is choosing the right research perspective before deciding how to collect evidence.
LO1: Demonstrate the ability to formulate a research question
1.1 Describe the 2 theoretical perspectives behind research.
A useful comparison is positivism and interpretivism. Consider staff turnover in adult social care:
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Positivism: How have staff turnover rates changed in England? This question could be investigated using published workforce statistics.
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Interpretivism: How do care workers describe their reasons for leaving? This would require appropriate qualitative evidence, such as existing published accounts.
The subject is the same, but the research questions require different evidence. Importantly, quantitative and qualitative methods are not themselves the two theoretical perspectives.
What students should check: AC 1.1 concerns the perspectives, but AC 1.3 requires a justification for the perspective chosen. That choice must also suit the research methodology and data collection in LO2. The pilot must not require ethical approval, so the proposed methods should be checked with the tutor before research begins.
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