HH5624 Research proposal Assessment
MSc Global Public Health and Social Justice (Online)
MSc Public Health and Health Promotion (online)
MSc Public Health and Behaviour Change (online)
MSc Public Health (Online)
MSc Health Economics and Health Policy (online)
| Module Module Code |
Research Methods Reassessment HH5624 |
| Module Leader | |
| Assessment | Research proposal: 100% (2,500 Words) |
Method
| Submission |
Deadline
| Additional | N/A |
Material/Software
Learning Outcomes to be assessed:
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding in all the processes of and practice of empirical research including a wide range of research methods
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative methodology
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of using common statistical tests as well as qualitative data analyses
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of cultural and ethical sensitivity in research
- Apply critical research methods to understand issues related to health promotion and public health
- Communicate effectively and be reflective and critical in approach to research
- Develop critical skills in reading and interpreting output from analysis software
IMPORTANT: ** All submissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism. **
| Although your reassessment may contain similar content, you may not copy and paste work from your previous submittal / first sitting without referencing that previous submission, so it is clear you are acknowledging that you have reused that material.
If you do reuse your own work from a previous submittal, this will constitute unpermitted recycling and will be brought up to Brunel for Academic Misconduct. As stated in the Academic Misconduct Procedure (https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/documents/pdf/Academic-Misconduct-Procedure-2020-07-01.pdf): ‘Unpermitted recycling / re-using work, which means submitting work for assessment which has previously been submitted, in whole or in part, for assessment at this or another institution, without explicitly acknowledging and referencing the assessment and qualification for which the material was previously submitted, and unless expressly permitted by the assessment brief’ PLEASE NOTE: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within assignment When using generative AI tools (for example, ChatGPT, Bing or DALL-E) to assist with your assignment, it is critical that you provide a statement within your assignment entitled ‘Use of Artificial Intelligence in this assignment’ that honestly acknowledges the use of these tools. For example: You can find the up-to-date university policy on using Artificial Intelligence in your studies here: https://students.brunel.ac.uk/study/using-artificial-intelligence-in-your-studies |
Assessment Overview
The final assessment for this module is a Research Proposal 100% (2,500 Words)
Key Components and Task:
The purpose of this assignment is to produce the core elements of a research proposal that can guide the development of your research. Producing the research proposal helps you develop and formalize your project so that it is both feasible and suitable for the completion of the research project in partial fulfilment of the post-graduate award. The topic of the research proposal must be related to public health and/or health promotion.
The research proposal should provide a clear and concise summary of the proposed project as well as the rationale for the research. The proposal should be a scholarly piece of work that must also be accessible to the non-specialist who would therefore be able to understand and be convinced as to the relevance of the research. Avoid jargon, and provide explanations of key concepts with a non-specialist in mind. The proposal must either use a quantitative or a qualitative approach. It could be either primary or secondary data analysis. Mixed methods and any kind of reviews (systematic, scoping or narrative reviews) are NOT allowed.
The following is a guide/outline of the relevant sections required for your research proposal. You may use further headings and subheadings in order to organize your proposal as appropriate.
Title of project
The title should be concise, informative and identify the research aim or question.
Background
This section should include the following information:
- Identification of the public health problem including key local / regional / national statistics and epidemiology to highlight the public health relevance
- A comprehensive but succinct literature review on the chosen topic
- Justification for your proposed research – identification of the “knowledge gap” in the literature and how your proposed study will extend the current knowledge in this field.
- A statement of your research question
Aim and objectives
The overall aim of your proposed study should be presented along with the specific objectives that will enable you to meet your overall aim.
Methodology
This section should include the following:
Methodological approach
o What methodology you will use (i.e. qualitative, quantitative)
o Why are you using this approach?
Study design
o Will you be using primary or secondary data? Why?
o What research design will you use in the proposed study (e.g. survey, interviews)
Setting:
o local context of the study and setting of data collection
Sample / Participants
o Overall sampling approach
o Who? Particular socio-demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, religion, sexuality etc
o How will participants be identified and recruited?
O Any inclusion/exclusion criteria for participants
o Justification of sample size
Data collection methods
O What data collection methods will be used (primary data) or have already been used (secondary data) e.g online using what technology
O Where will data collection take place?
O Plan for any pilot studies or pre-testing of data collection materials.
Pilot study (optional)
o Will you be piloting any questionnaires/interviews or other data collection tools on a small sample? How? With how many people?
Timeline
o What will you be doing when?
O Ensure the work you are proposing is achievable during the length of the MSc
Analysis plan
O How will you analyse the data? Quantitative, qualitative analysis?
O What statistics will you do (e.g t-tests, regressions) or what qualitative approaches will you use (e.g thematic analysis)? Why?
O What software (e.g SPSS, NVivo) will you use? Ethical considerations
O Will your study require Brunel ethical approval?
O What ethical considerations are there for your research?
Appendices
Drafts of data collection instruments (questionnaires, interview schedules, interview or focus group topic guides) and project recruitment materials
Provide these at the end of your assignment, should be referred to in your main text e.g Appendix 1
Appendices do not form part of the word count.
References
The references of any publications cited in the proposal should be included.
You can use any referencing style.
The reference list does not form part of the word count.
Research Proposal Guidance:
- i) Write ONE 2,500 word research proposal
ii) Submit an electronic copy of your assignment on A4 size page, and as a PDF file only (unless
otherwise specified) to Wiseflow by 11.59am, Thursday 9th February 2023 (UK time). Please
ensure to give yourself enough time to submit before the deadline.
iii)Assignment to be accurately referenced using the Harvard reference system.
- iv) It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of polices and practice on good academic practice and plagiarism. You can find more information about this in the Senate Regulations: Senate-
| v) | Regulation-6-2020-07-01.pdf (brunel.ac.uk).
Assignments to be double spaced, well presented and clearly referenced. The student registration |
number must be printed on the right hand corner of each page, not the student name. All coursework must be submitted anonymously
vi) It is important that you structure your research proposal using the guidance above.
vii)Assignments will be marked for accuracy, research proposal structure, effective use of evidence,
thoroughness of knowledge and conceptual understanding.
viii)The word limit set for the assessment is a MAXIMUM. Content is evaluated on the basis of the
extent to which the learning outcomes and other requirements of the assessment have been met,
within the maximum stated word limit, therefore penalties do not apply on the basis of work
being less than the word limit. However, markers will only mark up to the word limit and not
beyond this, to ensure parity for all students.
Helpful resources:
Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers. Seventh Edition. Open University Press.
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2010) How to Research (Open Up Study Skills) Fourth Edition. Open University Press.
Bowling, A. (2014) Research Methods in Health. Investigating Health and Health Services (4th edition) Maidenhead. Open University Press.
Durand, MA and Chantier, T. (2014) Principles of Social Research. Second edition. Maidenhead. Open University Press.
Neale, J. (2008) Research Methods for Health and Social Care. Palgrave MacMillan. Basingstoke
Robson, C. (2011) Real World Research. Third edition.John Wiley & Sons
Saks, M. and Allsop, J. editors. (2013) Researching Health. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods. London. Sage.
Submission deadline: _________________
Submission Method: via the WISE flow platform as a PDF file only (unless otherwise specified) Guidance on file formats and upload file size limits compatible with WISEflow can be found here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/study-support/computer-services/media-services/digital-education/WISEflow/WISEflow-for-students
Your submission must be CONVERTED to PDF not scanned (or an image) for upload to WISE flow (see above link for specific recommended file types).
Late submission rules: as per the University’s policy
Relevant Programme regulation: Senate Regulations 3
Provision of formative assessment: Not applicable. Marking criteria: attached (Annex I)
Provisional Grade and feedback Release Date:
Annex I: Brunel University Generic Masters-level Grade Descriptors
These generic grade descriptors are intended to be used as a tool throughout the assessment process (in assessment design, marking/grading, moderation, feedback and appraisal) for any assessment set at Masters Level in the University. They are designed to show no disciplinary bias and are not intended to act as surrogate award or award classification descriptors. The grade descriptors should be read in conjunction with the learning outcomes associated with the assessment.
Grade A++
Work of exceptionally high quality, commensurate with publication in a highly esteemed peer-reviewed journal. Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides clear evidence of originality and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates exceptional ability in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows exceptional clarity, focus and cogency in communication.
Grade Band A (A+, A, A-)
Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides evidence of originality of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates excellence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows excellent clarity, focus and cogency in communication.
Grade Band B (B+, B, B-)
Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a high degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.
Grade Band C (C+, C, C-)
Demonstrates a critical and substantial understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a significant degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Provides evidence of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.
Grade Band D (D+, D, D-)
Provides evidence of some critical understanding of the topic. Demonstrates some ability to develop a structured argument or evaluation. Demonstrates an acceptable degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise, but not at Masters Level. Provides evidence of effective communication.
Grade Band E (E+, E, E-)
Work that demonstrates significant weaknesses, but which provides strong evidence that Grade D is within the reach of the student.
Grade F
Work that is unacceptable.
[https://students.brunel.ac.uk/documents/Policies/Postgraduate-Grade-Descriptors.pdf]
