HND Assignment Brief Session: September 2015 General Guidelines • The work you submit must be in your own words. If you use a quote or an illustration from somewhere you must give the source. • Include a list of references at the end of your document. You must give all your sources of information. • There is a glossary at the end of the assignment that will help you understand the command words used for the assignment. • Make sure your work is clearly presented and that you use readily understandable English. • Wherever possible use a word processor and its "spell-checker". Internal verifier Dr. Marcus Chilaka Signature (IV of the brief) Marcus Chilaka Date 05/10/2015 Programme title CPK36 Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Health and Social Care Unit number and title Unit 6 Research Project Assignment number & title 1 of 1 Health and Social Care Research Project Unit Leader Dr. Tosin Alo Assessor(s) Morris Anglin; Dr. Taghi Doostgharin Issue Date 05 October 2015 Final assignment submission deadline 28 December 15 - 09 Jan 2016 Late submission deadline 11 – 16 January 2016 The learners are required to follow the strict deadline set by the College for submissions of assignments in accordance with the BTEC level 4 – 7 submission guidelines and College policy on submissions. They should also refer to Merit and Distinction criteria that require evidence of meeting agreed timelines and ability to plan and organise time effectively without which the learner may not expect to receive a higher grade. Resubmission deadline TBA Feedback In class feedback will be available from draft submissions on a task-bytask basis as a formative feedback and also for initial submission. Final feedback will be available within 2 -3 weeks of the assignment submission date.Page 2 of 13 ICON College of Technology and Management Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Health and Social Care (HSC) Unit 6: Research Project (L5) Session: September 2015 Course Work (Recommended Word limit 6,500) This Unit will be assessed by assignment and individual presentation. You are strongly advised to read "Preparation guidelines of the Coursework Document" before answering your assignment. ASSIGNMENT Introduction and background notes (vocational context) Consider yourself as a final year senior health and social care student. Your academic supervisor has instructed you to undertake a 4-part research project related to a specific issue of health and social care practice in your chosen health and social care setting. You are required to fulfill four tasks in a research report format and also make a brief presentation. The assignment requires you to identify a specific problem or issue in health and social care such as: poor quality care in residential homes and its impact on service users; safeguarding service users in health and social care, homelessness and its impact on health and social care; services for those recovering from disability; legislation and its impact on service users; social policy changes for elderly people in residential care, public perception of FGM and the stigma behind the way that these are dealt with; barriers in health and social care and ways forward for inter-professional collaboration; government strategies in health promotion; asylum seekers and its impact on health and social care. The Unit addresses the elements that make up formal research including the proposal, literature review, a variety of research methodologies, action planning, ethical consideration, carrying out the research itself and presenting the findings. To successfully complete the unit, you will be required to identify a specific problem or issue related to your chosen health and social care topic and write a Research Proposal outlining the issues as a problem statement leading to identifying the Research Objectives (and/or hypotheses, if any) necessary to address your research question. Your research proposal will need to include review of relevant literature that supports and justifies your research objectives. The aim of the Research Project is to plan, collect and analyse relevant data related to the problem identified using appropriate sources (primary and secondary) before presenting the findings in a research report and brief presentation. Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting their research projectPage 3 of 13 What you must do Task 1: LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification Task 1A: Based upon the specific health and social care issue identified in health and social care formulate a Research Proposal, outlining the specific objectives (and or hypotheses) that need to be addressed to answer the research question. You should also identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection [P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4, P1.5] Your research project outline should include the following: Research Title Research Project description (brief overview of nature of project [P1.1, P1.2] Research Aims and Objectives [P1.1, M1, D1] Literature review (critical review of key references) [P1.1, 1.3] Research methodology [P1.1, 1.4] References An appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification [P1.1, P1.5] The format of the research proposal is shown in Appendix 1 Guidelines The research title should be clear and concise and be set as a statement. A good research title should have two variables, independent and dependent. For example, Air pollution and the affect on the cardiovascular system. The learner should also ensure that there is enough literature available for the topic. At this stage of research, learners should choose simple topics with two variables as explained above. The research project description should provide the rationale of doing the project, including the definition of key concepts and theories, background to the research problem. The aim of the research answers "What do you want to do?" and objectives answer the question "How are you going to find out?" what you stated in the aim. It is advisable to have only one aim but more than one objective. Objectives address the aim, so if you have two aims, each aim should have its own objectives. The literature review should be based on the research problem. Literature review means finding out what others have said about your research problem, so you need to look for those who support your view and those who refute your views. This is what is meant by critical review of literature. You must review at least 10 different articles. Please note that explaining concepts and theories is not literature review, as this should have been done in research project description. Within the methodology, you should briefly explain qualitative and qualitative methods and their techniques, sampling techniques, how the data would be collected and analysed [P2.2]. Remember to justify your use of a particular method and technique. As a researcher you need to be aware of research ethics. Your research plan should include the research process activities and task dates, for example, the GANNT Chart.  To achieve M1 complex problems with more than one variable have been explored in formulating a research proposal and specifying the objectives.  To achieve D1 conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified by engaging in self-criticism of approach when arriving at the appropriate research aims and objectives.Page 4 of 13 Task 1B: LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification 1. Identify Relevant Literature related to your chosen topic and undertake a critical review of key references, including appropriate theories and concepts. [P1.3, M2, D1] Note: You should cite and reference all supporting arguments with sources using Harvard System of Referencing.  To achieve M2 a range of methods and techniques have been applied in reviewing current relevant literature and appropriate theories and concepts have been used.  To achieve D1, the validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria when undertaking a critical review of the literature Task 1C: LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification 1. produce a clear research project specification [P1.4, M1] 2. Develop and discuss the relevant Research Methodology to implement the proposed research and provide an appropriate plan and procedures, including a time schedule for carrying out the research (GANNT Chart can be used if necessary). [P1.5, M2] Note: You need to consider the relevant sources of data and such as primary and secondary and outline and justify the proposed methods using appropriate sampling methods to collect data within the context of validity and reliability. You will demonstrate following:  To achieve M1, an effective approach to study and research has been applied when producing a clear research project specification  To achieve M2 the selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified in drawing an appropriate plan for data collection. Task 2: LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification Based on the methodology you described in your proposal (Task 1), carry out the primary research, and match the resources efficiently in your research. Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures. Record and collate the data based on the research question. Use appropriate research techniques to analyse your data. [P2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, M1, M2, M3, D2] As stated above, within the methodology, you should briefly explain qualitative and qualitative methods and their advantages and disadvantages. Each method has its own techniques, for example, interviews and observations for qualitative methods. Similarly, quantitative methods include surveys (questionnaire) and experiments. Social Science use the survey, so you should justify the use of any of the survey techniques (postal, telephone, Internet and personally administered survey). Remember to justify your use of a particular method and technique and the sampling technique (random or non-random). The last part of methodology wants you to explain how you collected the data using the chosen technique (interview or any of the four survey techniques). In preparation for Task 3, you should present your results using appropriate tables, charts, graphs and statistics in order to evaluate these results. Each diagram should have a title and number; for example, Fig 1: Rate of hospital admissions due to air pollution. You should also include an interpretation of what the results mean for the benefit of the reader. You will demonstrate following:Page 5 of 13  To achieve M1 an effective approach to study and research has been applied in accordance with the agreed specification.  To achieve M2 a range of sources of information has been used; complex information/data has been synthesised and processed.  To achieve M3 the appropriate structure and approach has been used.  To achieve D2 autonomy/independence has been demonstrated in planning and organizing the research project. Task 3 : LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes Interpret and analyse the results of the data analysis in Task 2 in terms of the original research proposal (research objectives and/or hypotheses, if any) and make recommendations to solve the research problem identified in Task 1. You should also justify areas for further consideration. [P3.2, 3.3 M3, D2]  To achieve M3, you will need to use the appropriate structure and statistical techniques to analyse your data.  To achieve D2, you will have demonstrated an ability to complete your project on time. Task 4: Be able to evaluate the research outcomes Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience [P4.1, M3,D2]  To achieve D2, Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised when presenting your research project including your results during your presentation in a timely manner Your completed project should now be presented to your health and social care academic supervisor in a report format. Your research project outline should include the following: Research Title Abstract Acknowledgements Content page Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Research project description (brief overview of nature of project) [P1.1, P1.2] 1.2 Research Aims and Objectives [P1.1] 1.3 Literature review (critical review of key references) [P1.1, 1.3] 1.4 Research methodology [P1.1, 1.4] 1.5 Structure of the project Chapter 2: Literature review [P1.3] 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Literature review Chapter 3: Methodology 3.1 Methodology, Methods and Techniques [P2.2] 3.2 Sampling [P2.2] 3.3 Data collection (Description of how data would be collected [P2.2] 3.4 Ethical considerations Chapter 4 Data Collection and Analysis 4.1 Data Collection [P2.3] 4.2 Data Analysis and Discussion [P3.2]Page 6 of 13 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations 5.1 Conclusions [P3.3] 5.2 Recommendations [P3.3] 5.3 Areas for further study (or consideration) [P3.3] References Appendices Relevant Information 1. Outcome of the Unit On successful completion of this unit a learner will: Assessment criteria for pass: To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate Questions reflecting the Learning Outcome LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification 1.1 formulate and record possible research project outline specifications 1.2 identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection 1.3 undertake a critical review of key references 1.4 produce a research project specification 1.5 provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification TASK 1 LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specifications 2.1Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis. 2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures 2.3Record and collate relevant data where appropriate TASK 2 LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcome 3.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques 3.2 Interpret and analyze the results in terms of the original research specification 3.3 Make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration TASK 3 LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes 4.1Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience TASK 4Page 7 of 13 2. Grading Criteria for Merit and Distinction of this coursework Merit (M1, M2, M3) Distinction (D1, D2, D3) Descriptors Indicative characteristics Descriptors Indicative characteristics M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solution Pass requirements achieved  complex problems with more than one variable have been explored  an effective approach to study and research has been applied D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions Pass and Merit requirements achieved  Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified  Self-criticism of approach has taken place M2 Select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques  Relevant theories and techniques have been applied  A range of sources of information has been used  A range of methods and techniques have been applied  The selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified  Complex information/data has been synthesised and processed D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities  Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated  Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings  The appropriate structure and approach has been used  A range of methods of presentation has been used and technical language have been accurately used D3 Demonstrate convergent/ lateral/ creative thinking  Ideas have been generated and decisions taken  Self-evaluation has taken place  Problems have been solved Guide to student 3. Preparation guidelines of the Coursework Document a. All coursework must be word processed. b. Document margins must not be more than 2.54 cm (1 inch) or less than 1.9cm (3/4 inch). c. Font size must be within the range of 10 point to 14 point including the headings and body text (preferred font size is 11). d. Standard and commonly used type face such as Arial should be used. e. All figures, graphs and tables must be numbered. f. Material taken from external sources must be properly refereed and cited within the text using Harvard standard g. Do not use Wikipedia as a reference. 4. Plagiarism and Collusion Any act of plagiarism or collusion will be seriously dealt with according to the College regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism and collusion are presented below:Page 8 of 13 Plagiarism is presenting somebody else's work as your own. It includes copying information directly from the Web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort. Collusion is copying another student's coursework; stealing coursework from another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism or collusion will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For details on Plagiarism & Collusion please see the student hand book) 5. Submission a. Initial submission of coursework to the tutors is compulsory in each unit of the course. b. Student must check their assignments on ICON VLE with plagiarism software Turnitin to make sure the similarity index for their assignment stays within the College approved level. A student can check the similarity index of their assignment three times in the Draft Assignment submission point located in the home page of the ICON VLE. c. All Final coursework must be submitted to the Final submission point into the unit (not to the Tutor). A student would be allowed to submit only once and that is the final submission. d. Any computer files generated such as program code (software), graphic files that form part of the coursework must be submitted as an attachment to the assignment with all documentation. e. Any portfolio for a unit must be submitted as a hardcopy to examination office. f. The student must attach a tutor's comment in between the cover page and the answer in the case of Resubmission. 6. Good practice a. Make backup of your work in different media (hard disk, memory stick etc.) to avoid distress for loss or damage of your original copy. 7. Extension and Late Submission a. If you need an extension for a valid reason, you must request one using an Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances (EEC) form available from the College examination office and ICON VLE. Please note that the lecturers do not have the authority to extend the coursework deadlines and therefore do not ask them to award a coursework extension. The completed form must be accompanied by evidence such as a medical certificate in the event of you being sick. b. Late submission will be accepted and marked according to the college procedure. It is noted that late submission may not be graded for Merit and Distinction. c. All Late coursework must be submitted to the late submission point into the unit (not to the Tutor). A student would be allowed to submit only once and that is the final submission. 8. Submission deadlines Online to the ICON VLE only Formative feedback Week 11 Presentation Weeks 11 - 12 Final submission 28 December 2015 to 9 January 2016 Late submission 11 January to 16 January 2016 9. Glossary:Page 9 of 13 Analyse Identify separate factors, say how they are related and how each one contributes to the topic. Appraise Consider the positive and negative points and give a reasoned judgement. Assess To determine the importance, size, or value of something OR give careful consideration to all factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant. Compare Identify the main factors that apply in two or more situations and explain the similarities and differences or advantages and disadvantages. Comment Give your view after you have considered all the evidence. In particular decide the importance of all the relevant positive and negative aspects. Criticise Review a topic or issue objectively and weigh up both positive and negative points before making a decision. Demonstrate Provide several relevant examples or related evidence which clearly support the arguments you are making. This may include showing practical skills. Design Create a plan, proposal or outline to illustrate a relatively complex concept or idea. Describe Give a clear description that includes all the relevant features – think of it as 'painting a picture with words'. Define Clearly explain what a particular term means and give an example, if appropriate to show what you mean. Draw Use the evidence you have provided to reach a reasoned judgement. Conclusions Explain Set out in detail the meaning of something, with reasons. More difficult than describe or list; it can help to give an example to show what you mean. Start by introducing the topic then give the 'how' or 'why'. OR provide details and give reasons and/or evidence to clearly support the argument you are making. Evaluate Review the information then bring it together to form a conclusion. Give evidence for each of your views or statements. Identify Point out or choose the right one / give a list of the main features. Illustrate Include examples or a diagram to show what you mean. Interpret Define or explain the meaning of something. (words, actions, etc.) Justify Give reasons or evidence to support your opinion or view to show how you arrived at these conclusions. List Provide the information in a list, rather than in continuous writing. Outline Write a clear description; give a summary of / a general plan showing essential features but no detail. Plan Work out and plan how you would carry out a task or activity. State Provide a clear and full account in speech or writing. Summarise Write down or articulate briefly the main points or essential features. Appendix ICON College of Technology and Management RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL FORMPage 10 of 13 Programme Level 5 HND in Health and Social Care Surname Forename(s) Email address Department Health and Social Care Working title of your proposed research This is intended to help you reflect on possible issues of ethical concern arising from your proposed research project. 1. Research project description (brief overview of nature of project) 2. Aims: What do you want to do or achieve in your dissertation? What issue do you want to consider or analyse? It might start like this, To critically analyse or evaluate /explore/ investigate /examine the … Objectives - What steps will you take to achieve the aim of the dissertation? How do you intend to analyse the issue? Give at least three (3). They might start like this: To identify /outline /consider/ explore/ examine/ the 3. Literature Review What information would you require examine to synthesise in terms of published literature to justify your argument about the issues and objectives to be achieved? Attach a list of reference related to the key sources of literature. 4. Research methodology 5. Ethical IssuesPage 11 of 13 Does your proposed research involve any of the following? • Deception of participants? No • Financial inducements? No • Possible psychological stress? No • Access to confidential information? No • Any other special circumstances? No • Any other ethical and regions issues No 6. Any other information Does your proposed research involve any of the following? Time management plan and GANTT CHART etc. Time management plan GANTT CHART See Appendix of example of Gantt chart FEEDBACK FROM THE RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR Name Date APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH PROJECT APPROVAL FROM RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR Name DatePage 12 of 13Page 13 of 13 References