Collaborate Week 6 Notes for Assignment Two: Research Proposal Overview
Summary Version
Acknowledgement of country and respect for Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation; traditional owners of the land where Swinburne's Melbourne campuses are located; respect to elders past, present, and emerging.
Flip Collaborate session: aims to provide up-front information about assignment two (the research proposal), with content available now and questions addressed in later weeks (week 7/8 Q&A sessions).
Encourage students to jot down questions as they listen and post on the assignment two discussion board or save for week 7 Q&A.
Difference between critical review and research proposal:
Assignment 1 (critical review): critically review one research article; unpack and evaluate the study, focusing on strengths/weaknesses of methods.
Assignment 2 (research proposal): a plan for a new, hypothetical study; not actual data collection; a proposal outlining what you would do if conducting the study.
A research proposal is a plan for future research: identify a gap, state variables (IV, DV) and the expected relationship (hypothesis), propose methodology, sample, recruitment, sampling method (random vs nonrandom), qualitative/quantitative/mixed methods, measures, and ethics.
What a proposal does not do: present outcomes or results since data has not been collected yet.
Real-world relevance: research proposals are common in later study years, grants applications, postgraduate programs, and government/health research projects.
Key details for assignment two:
Due date: Monday of Week 10 at 5\,\text{PM}.
Weight: 35\% of overall grade.
Word limit: 1500 words, ±10\% → up to 1650 words; anything beyond that is marked.
Clarity and conciseness emphasized; consider seeking feedback on writing for assignment one if needed.
Extensions: via Canvas assignment two page; 48-hour extension available directly to the ELA; longer extensions go to the Unit Coordinator; justify why extension is needed; for extensions longer than 48\text{ hours}, include supporting documentation (medical certificate, employer letter, statutory declaration, etc.).
General overview of the research proposal:
Steps: choose a topic, narrow to a research question, review literature, pose one or two hypotheses, state proposed methodology.
Build on prior learning (modules weeks 5–9) and critical review skills; evaluate strengths/weaknesses of approaches; select appropriate research methods for the question.
Topic selection: choose from a list on the Canvas assignment details page; topics are provided to avoid overwhelm; pick the topic you find most interesting; you will spend significant time on it.
The assignment details page includes:
A guide to writing research proposals.
A guide to APA formatting (similar to Assignment 1).
Topic list: five topics offered; you may choose a broad or specific aspect within the chosen topic to study.
From topic to research question and hypotheses:
Examine the literature to identify what remains to be covered, discrepancies, conflicting results, or limitations in prior work.
The proposed study should address a gap in the literature (not simply replicate prior work without change).
Use discussion boards (weeks 3, 5, 6, 7) to practice hypothesis development and study design; you’ll follow a similar process in the proposal.
The hypothesis should flow logically from the literature review; clearly specify IV and DV; relationships should be directional and testable.
Keep hypotheses simple: one or two is enough given word limits; avoid mediation or moderation models for this assignment to keep explanations concise.
Structure and template guidance:
Use a template similar to Assignment 1, with headings and APA formatting; ensure you include:
Title page
Introduction
Literature review
Aims
Significance of research
Proposed methodology
Scope and problems
Reference list
Write concisely and with scientific language; adhere to word limits.
Criteria and assessment details (assignment two):
Title page: 5\% of the overall grade; include name, unit code, clear searchable title, assessment due date, ELA name, and actual word count (words in the proposal excluding title page and reference list).
Introduction: 10\%;
Provide relevant background, define key terms, introduce the general field, narrow to your study area, and lead logically to the identified gap or problem; ~200 words.
Aims: 5\%;
Present the research question, the aims, and the hypothesis; one IV and one DV is sufficient; describe clearly; determine whether to place introduction or literature review before aims (order flexible as long as other sections follow standard order).
Avoid complex mediation/moderation in aims; ensure the hypothesis is supported by literature review.
Literature review: 20\%;
Describe prior research, major issues or gaps, and why the current study is needed; discuss what can be inferred and what cannot yet be inferred and why; compare similarities and differences with existing work; aim for ~400 words.
Significance and contribution: 10\%;
Explain theoretical and practical contributions; specify who benefits (individuals, schools, hospitals, online providers, policy changes, etc.); link to the literature gap.
Proposed methodology: 30\%;
~400 words; discuss participants (who, how many, inclusion/exclusion criteria, justify sample size), sampling method (random vs nonrandom), study type (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed), design (experimental, non-experimental, cross-sectional), data collection measures (prefer existing validated instruments), and ethical considerations (informed consent, especially for vulnerable groups).
Include ethical considerations and refer to Week 7 ethics discussions for guidance.
Scope: 10\%;
~200 words; define breadth of the topic; summarize what is left unknown after your study; discuss limitations and potential problems; include future research directions.
Writing style: 5\%;
Focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistent use of headings, logical linking, and flow; use Studiosity for draft feedback if helpful.
Referencing and APA: 5\%;
Recommend roughly 5–10 references; paraphrase rather than quote; use in-text citations in APA 7th edition; ensure the reference list is APA 7th formatted; the word count does not include the title page or reference list.
Note: The structure shares similarities with the critical review; ensure you review the assignment two criteria page for detailed tips.
Practical tips and ongoing support:
Access additional collaborates after the recording (week 7 live session to cover introduction, aim, literature review with examples).
Week 9 Q&A live session for additional questions.
Keep an eye on the assignment two details page for exact criteria and expectations.
Break reminders: take time during the break; you can start early or return later with the information available.
If life gets in the way, use the Canvas extension process as described above; attach supporting documentation for longer extensions.
Writing, standards, and process reminders:
Use concise, precise language; avoid unnecessary words; ensure sections flow logically with clear headings.
Do not rely heavily on direct quotes; paraphrase and cite appropriately; maintain APA 7th formatting.
The reference list and title page do not count toward the word limit.
Final guidance and next steps:
The course will continue with more targeted sessions in weeks 7–9 to deepen understanding of each component (introduction, aims, literature review, significance, method, scope).
Prepare questions for week 7 live session and use the week 9 Q&A for additional clarifications.
By Week 10, submit the research proposal by the deadline and engage with the feedback for future work (e.g., for Master’s/PhD proposals or grant applications).
Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications discussed:
Ethics are explicitly addressed in the methodology section (informed consent, capacity, vulnerable populations).
Acknowledgement of the limitations of research and the importance of transparent reporting of scope and potential problems.
The proposal process mirrors real-world research planning, including considerations for funding, approvals, and the need to justify why a study is needed before proceeding.
Quick reference to key numbers and formatting:
Due date: Week 10, 5\,\text{PM}.
Weight: 35\%.
Word limit: 1500 words (+/- 10\%) → up to 1650 words.
Section weightings: Title page 5\%; Introduction 10\%; Aims 5\%; Literature review 20\%; Significance 10\%; Methodology 30\%; Scope 10\%; Writing style 5\%; Referencing 5\%.
Word count for major sections: Introduction ~200 words; Literature review ~400 words; Methodology ~400 words; Significance ~200 words; Scope ~200 words; Total around the stated distributed weights.
Reminder about the nature of the assignment:
Focus on a clear, testable hypothesis with a straightforward IV and DV.
Keep the writing precise and grounded in the literature you review; the proposal should demonstrate how you’d address a gap in the literature if the study were conducted.
Use the provided templates and guidance to ensure all required sections and formatting are included.
Detailed Version
Acknowledgement of country and respect for Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation; traditional owners of the land where Swinburne's Melbourne campuses are located; respect to elders past, present, and emerging.
Flip Collaborate session: aims to provide comprehensive, up-front information about assignment two (the research proposal). Content is made available in advance to allow students to process the material and formulate specific questions, which will then be addressed in dedicated Q&A sessions during later weeks (week 7/8 Q&A sessions).
Encourage students to actively jot down questions as they engage with the information and subsequently post them on the assignment two discussion board or save them for the week 7 Q&A sessions. This proactive approach supports deeper understanding and clarity.
Difference between critical review and research proposal:
Assignment 1 (critical review): focused on the critical evaluation of one existing research article. This involved dissecting, analyzing, and appraising the study, with a particular emphasis on identifying and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of its methodologies.
Assignment 2 (research proposal): constitutes a detailed plan for a new, hypothetical study. It does not involve actual data collection or presenting results. Instead, it is a comprehensive proposal outlining what you would do, how you would do it, and why if you were to conduct the proposed research.
A research proposal is essentially a blueprint for future research. It requires you to:
Identify a significant gap in the existing literature.
Clearly state the variables involved (Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV)) and articulate the expected relationship between them in a testable hypothesis.
Propose a detailed methodology, including the target sample, participant recruitment strategies, the chosen sampling method (e.g., random vs. nonrandom), the overall study approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), specific measures or instruments to be used, and a thorough consideration of ethical implications.
What a proposal explicitly does not do: present outcomes or results, as the proposed study is hypothetical, and data has not been collected.
Real-world relevance: Developing research proposals is a fundamental skill, highly common in advanced academic studies, grant applications to secure research funding, postgraduate programs (including Master's and PhD), and for securing approval for government or health research projects. It demonstrates the ability to conceptualize, plan, and justify a new study.
Key details for assignment two:
Due date: Monday of Week 10 at 5\,\text{PM}. Plan your time effectively to meet this deadline.
Weight: 35\% of your overall unit grade, highlighting its significance.
Word limit: 1500 words, with a permitted tolerance of ±10\% resulting in an upper limit of 1650 words. Any content exceeding 1650 words will not be marked and may incur penalties. This emphasizes the importance of concise and impactful writing.
Clarity and conciseness are highly emphasized; effective scientific communication is crucial. Students are strongly encouraged to seek feedback on their writing skills, perhaps building on insights gained from assignment one, to refine their ability to convey complex ideas clearly and efficiently.
Extensions: Applications for extensions must be submitted via the Canvas assignment two page. A 48-hour extension can typically be granted directly by your ELA without extensive documentation. For extensions longer than 48-hours, applications must go to the Unit Coordinator and require robust justification along with comprehensive supporting documentation (e.g., an official medical certificate, a formal employer letter, a statutory declaration, or in specific cases, a death certificate). Prompt communication is key.
General overview of the research proposal:
Steps:
Choose a broad topic from the provided list.
Narrow this topic down to a specific, answerable research question.
Conduct a thorough review of existing literature to understand the current state of research.
Formulate one or two clear, testable hypotheses based on your literature review.
Outline your proposed methodology in detail.
The assignment is designed to build on prior learning from modules weeks 5\text{–}9 and to enhance your critical review skills. You will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various research approaches and select the most appropriate methods to address your specific research question.
Topic selection: You are required to choose from a curated list of topics provided on the Canvas assignment details page. These topics are offered to reduce initial overwhelm and guide your focus. Select the topic you find most interesting or engaging, as you will dedicate significant time and effort to it.
The assignment details page is a critical resource and includes:
A comprehensive guide to writing effective research proposals.
A detailed guide to APA formatting (which should align closely with the style used in Assignment 1).
The essential topic list: typically five diverse topics are offered. You have the flexibility to choose a broad or a highly specific aspect within your chosen topic to study, allowing for individual exploration within defined parameters.
From topic to research question and hypotheses:
To develop your research question and hypotheses, you must critically examine the existing literature. This process aims to identify:
What remains to be covered or is inadequately explored.
Discrepancies or conflicting results across different studies.
Methodological or theoretical limitations in prior work.
The proposed study must address a clear gap in the literature; it should not simply replicate prior work without significant modification or a new angle that adds value to the body of knowledge.
Utilize discussion boards (weeks 3, 5, 6, 7) to actively practice hypothesis development and study design. This iterative process is crucial for refining the skills you will apply in your formal proposal.
The hypothesis should follow logically and directly from your literature review. It must clearly and precisely specify both the Independent Variable (IV) and the Dependent Variable (DV). The proposed relationships should be directional (predicting a specific outcome or direction of effect) and empirically testable using the proposed methods.
Keep hypotheses simple and focused: one or two clearly articulated hypotheses are sufficient given the word limits and scope of this assignment. Avoid complex mediation or moderation models for this assignment to ensure explanations can remain concise and manageable.
Structure and template guidance:
You should utilize a clear structure, similar to Assignment 1, with consistent headings and strict adherence to APA 7\text{th} edition formatting. Ensure your proposal includes the following mandatory sections:
Title page
Abstract (brief summary, optional but good practice for real proposals)
Introduction
Literature review
Aims and Hypotheses
Significance and Contribution of Research
Proposed Methodology
Scope and Limitations (including future directions)
Reference list
Write concisely and utilize formal, scientific language suitable for academic discourse. Strictly adhere to all specified word limits for each section.
Criteria and assessment details (assignment two):
Title page: 5\% of the overall grade. Must include your full name, unit code, a clear and searchable title that accurately reflects your proposed study, the assessment due date, your ELA's name, and the actual word count of your proposal (excluding the title page and reference list).
Introduction: 10\% (~200 words).
Provide relevant background information, starting broad and narrowing down to your specific area of interest.
Define key terms and concepts that are central to your study.
Introduce the general field of inquiry and logically lead to the identified research gap, problem, or unanswered question that your proposed study aims to address.
Aims: 5\% (~50-100 words).
Present your clearly articulated research question(s), the specific aims of your study, and your precise hypothesis/hypotheses.
Often, one Independent Variable (IV) and one Dependent Variable (DV) are sufficient for this assignment's scope. Describe them clearly and operationally.
The placement of the aims section (whether immediately after the introduction or the literature review) can be flexible as long as the subsequent sections follow a standard logical order.
Avoid proposing complex mediation or moderation in your aims. Ensure that your hypothesis is directly and strongly supported by the preceding literature review.
Literature review: 20\% (~400 words).
Describe and critically analyze prior research relevant to your topic.
Detail the major issues, inconsistencies, or gaps that exist in the current body of literature.
Clearly justify why the current proposed study is needed, explaining how it will uniquely contribute to filling these identified gaps.
Discuss what can be confidently inferred from existing research and, crucially, what cannot yet be inferred, providing reasoning for these limitations.
Compare and contrast similarities and differences with existing work, highlighting how your study builds upon or deviates from previous findings.
Significance and contribution: 10\% (~75-150 words).
Explain both the theoretical and practical contributions your proposed study would make.
Specifically identify who would benefit from your research (e.g., individuals with specific conditions, schools, hospitals, online service providers, policymakers, or society at large). Link these benefits directly back to the literature gap you identified.
Proposed methodology: 30\% (~400 words).
This is a critical and detailed section. Discuss:
Participants: Clearly define who will be included, how many participants you aim to recruit, and the specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Justify your proposed sample size, ideally by referring to similar studies or theoretical considerations.
Sampling method: Specify the technique you plan to use (e.g., random sampling for generalizability, convenience sampling for accessibility). Discuss the implications of your chosen method.
Study type and design: State whether your study will be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Detail the specific research design (e.g., experimental with control groups, non-experimental, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, correlational, phenomenological). Briefly describe the characteristics of this design.
Data collection measures: Describe the instruments or methods you will use to collect data. It is highly preferable to propose existing, validated instruments, providing examples where possible. Justify why these measures are appropriate and reliable.
Ethical considerations: A comprehensive discussion of ethical safeguards is mandatory. This includes informed consent procedures (ensuring participants understand and agree to participate), measures to protect vulnerable groups (e.g., minors, individuals with impaired capacity), confidentiality and anonymity procedures, the right to withdraw without penalty, and potential debriefing strategies. Refer to Week 7 ethics discussions for in-depth guidance.
Scope: 10\% (~150-200 words).
Define the breadth and boundaries of your proposed topic, clearly stating what will and will not be covered.
Summarize what will realistically remain unknown or unaddressed even after your proposed study is completed, acknowledging its inherent limitations.
Discuss potential problems or challenges that might arise during the study's execution (e.g., recruitment difficulties, measurement limitations, confounding variables).
Propose clear directions for future research that could build upon your study's findings or address its limitations.
Writing style: 5\%$. This assesses the overall quality of your academic writing.
Focus on impeccable spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ensure consistent use of headings and subheadings, facilitating clear hierarchical organization.
Demonstrate logical linking between paragraphs and sections, creating a smooth and coherent flow throughout the proposal.
Utilize Studiosity for draft feedback if you require external assistance with writing refinement.
Referencing and APA: 5\%$. Adherence to academic citation standards is paramount.
Recommend roughly 5\text{–}10 high-quality academic references.
Emphasize paraphrasing over direct quoting to demonstrate synthesis and understanding of source material.
Use accurate in-text citations following APA 7\text{th} edition guidelines.
Ensure your reference list is meticulously formatted according to APA 7\text{th} edition, including all necessary details for each source. Remember that the word count explicitly does not include the title page or the reference list.
Note: The structure of this assignment shares many similarities with the critical review. You must thoroughly review the assignment two criteria page on Canvas for detailed tips and expectations.
Practical tips and ongoing support:
Access additional collaborative sessions after the recording is released. A dedicated week 7 live session will cover the introduction, aims, and literature review sections in detail, including practical examples.
A week 9 Q&A live session will be held specifically for additional questions or clarifications regarding any aspect of the assignment.
Continuously refer to the assignment two details page on Canvas for the most up-to-date and exact criteria and expectations.
Break reminders: Ensure you take adequate time during academic breaks for rest and rejuvenation. You have the flexibility to start working on the assignment early or return to it later, utilizing the available resources and information.
If significant life events impede your progress, use the Canvas extension process as described above. Always attach comprehensive supporting documentation, particularly for extensions exceeding 48 hours.
Writing, standards, and process reminders:
Use concise, precise language throughout your proposal, actively eliminating unnecessary words or jargon to enhance clarity and impact.
Ensure all sections flow logically from one to the next, maintaining coherence, and utilize clear, consistent headings to guide the reader.
Do not rely heavily on direct quotes; instead, paraphrase and appropriately cite all sources in APA 7\text{th} edition. This demonstrates your ability to synthesize information in your own words.
As a reminder, the reference list and title page are explicitly excluded from the overall word limit.
Final guidance and next steps:
The course will continue with more targeted sessions in weeks 7\text{–}9 designed to deepen your understanding of each component of the research proposal (introduction, aims, literature review, significance, methodology, and scope).
Prepare specific questions for the week 7 live session and leverage the week 9 Q&A for any final clarifications before submission.
Aim to submit your research proposal by the Week 10 deadline and actively engage with the feedback provided, as these skills are foundational for future academic and professional work (e.g., Master’s/PhD proposals or grant applications).
Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications discussed:
Ethics are an explicit and fundamental component addressed within the methodology section, covering aspects such as informed consent, participant capacity, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The proposal acknowledges the inherent limitations of research and underscores the importance of transparently reporting the scope and potential problems of your proposed study.
The entire proposal process is designed to mirror real-world research planning, including necessary considerations for potential funding, ethical approvals, and the crucial requirement to justify why a study is needed before it can proceed.
Quick reference to key numbers and formatting:
Due date: Week 10, 5\,\text{PM}. Strict adherence is required.
Weight: 35\% of your total unit grade.
Word limit: 1500 words (with a ±10\% allowance, up to 1650 words). Penalties apply for exceeding this.
Section weightings:
Title page: 5\%
Introduction: 10\%
Aims: 5\%
Literature review: 20\%
Significance: 10\%
Methodology: 30\%
Scope: 10\%
Writing style: 5\%
Referencing: 5\%
Approximate word count for major sections (guidance, not strict limit):
Introduction: ~200 words
Literature review: ~400 words
Methodology: ~400 words
Significance: ~75-150 words
Scope: ~150-200 words
These are distributed to align with the relative weights of each section.
Reminder about the nature of the assignment:
Focus on developing a clear, simple, and empirically testable hypothesis involving a straightforward Independent Variable (IV) and Dependent Variable (DV).
Ensure your writing is precise, scientific, and firmly grounded in the literature you review. The proposal must effectively demonstrate how you would adequately address an identified gap in the literature if the study were actually conducted.
Always utilize the provided templates and guidance documents to ensure all required sections, formatting, and content elements are comprehensively included in your submission.