RESEARCH REPORT STRUCTURE, INTRODUCTION& methodology

Session aims To be aware of the structure of the Research Report To examine how to write your Introduction and Methodology To examine examples of Methodology chapters To finalise arrangements for project proposal presentations next week

Research project Report structure

Format of the project report Report sections   Title Executive Summary/Abstract Contents + page numbers Introduction Literature review Project Methodology Presentation and analysis of data/results Conclusions Recommendations Evaluation References & Bibliography Appendices

Approx wordage split Introduction 10% Literature review 25 - 30% Project Methodology 15% Presentation and analysis of data/results 25 - 30% Conclusions & Recommendations 10% Evaluation 10%

Numbering headings Give each section a heading to give a basic structure to your report Use subheadings to divide each section Number each section and subsection in a logical way Example: 1.Introduction 1.1 Aims, objectives and hypotheses 1.2 Rationale for the study 1.3 School context and background information 2. Literature Review..........

Levels of headings A Main headings in large print and bold type B Section headings: in slightly larger font than the text + bold type C Subheadings D Other lesser headings

introduction Briefly outlines what the project is about and the context of it 1.1 Aims, objectives and hypotheses Aim: A statement of the overall purpose of your study Hypothesis: A statement that you can prove or disprove Objectives: Breaks the aim down into statements to reflect the different aspect of your study

introduction 1.2 Rationale for the study .......your reasons for selecting the study School National requirements/initiatives Based on an aspect gained from wider reading Personal interest/ linked to your role in school 1.3 School context and background information ...including an outline of your role and how that links to your research choice/opportunities

LITERATURE REVIEW Why write a literature review? The literature review is a critical look at the existing research that is significant to your project. It helps you to decide the focus for your research as well as give you better background knowledge on the selected topic What approach should I take? You should evaluate what has already been done/written, show the relationships between different work, and show how it relates to your project. It is not supposed to be just a summary of other people's work.

LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction: Introduce your research question (what it is, why it is worth examining) Main body: Briefly outline the organisation of the chapter Outline readings under key themes / models/ time periods. Compare and evaluate studies Conclusion: Discuss the implications of the studies – what have you learned from reviewing literature and how you intend to build on it. Link to methodology chapter

Writing your methodology Writing up the methods used!

Key terms Validity – measures the accuracy of the data Reliability – a measure that consistently gives same readings (repeatable) Objectivity – absence of subjective judgments (need to eliminate subjectivity in measuring) What are the factors that influence these aspects of research?

Writing the methodology chapter Introduction Re-state the purpose of the research study Outline what research questions have been posed by the Lit Review Define any key terms Main body Outline and justify the data collection methods used (including a comparison to other techniques that could have been used) Explain and justify the sampling methods used + outline how they will give you the data that you need to answer your questions/ objectives How will validity and reliability be ensured in the methods used; Mention any limitations to your data collection + ethics Outline any pilot studies undertaken + any amendments made as a result Summary Summarise what you have written + one sentence to introduce the next chapter

Video of methodology advice What, why and when http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFSNB-0sfQ

Methodology Examples

Start work on: Review project proposal & development plan in light of discussions + produce ver 2 for next week. 7 Nov – Above documents + personal reflection (250 words) of how you have used group feedback to amend your research proposal 13 Jan - Complete a draft of your Introduction, Methodology and Literature Review chapters

Project proposal presentationS 5-9pm 17/10/13 – 10 mins + qu’s Order Name 1 Jon 10 Janice 2 Vincent 11 Alison 3 Gemma 12 Louise 4 Jade 13 Kayleigh 5 Emma 14 Sobia 6 Sally 15 Chloe 7 Hannah 16 Amy 8 Julie 17 Carly 9 Rachel

Further reading Basit, T (2010) Conducting Research in Educational Contexts, London: Continuum Bell, J (2005) Doing your Research Project: A guide for first time researchers in education and social science, Sixth edition , Berkshire: Open University Press Burton, N, Brundrett, M & Jones, M (2008) Doing Your Education Research Project, London: SAGE Clipson-Boyles, S (2000) Putting Research into Practice in Primary Teaching and Learning, London: David Fulton Cohen, L, Manion, L & Morrison, K (2007) Research Methods in Education, Sixth Edition, London: Routledge Falmer Gillham, G (2000) Case Study Research Methods, London: Continuum Gillham,G (2007) Developing a questionnaire, Second edition, London: Continuum Gillham ,G (2001) Research Interview, London: Continuum Gregory,I (2003) Ethics in Research, London: Continuum Litosseliti, L (2003) Using Focus Groups in Research, London: Continuum

Further reading Macintyre, C (2000) The Art of Action Research in the Classrooom, London: David Fulton McNiff, J & Whitehead, J (2005) Action Research for Teachers: A practical guide, London: David Fulton Pring, R (2004) Philosophy of Educational Research, London: Continuum Rober-Holmes, G (2005), Doing Your Early Years Research Project: A step by step guide, London: SAGE Rose, R & Grosvenor, I (2001) Doing Research in Special Education, London: David Fulton Swann, J & Pratt, J (2004) Educational Research in Practice, London: Continuum Walford, G (2001) Doing Qualitative Educational Research, London: Continuum Wellington, J & Szczerbinski, M (2007) Research Methods for Social Sciences, London: Continuum Wellington, J (2001) Educational Research: Contemporary issues and practical approaches, London: Continuum Walliman, N (2010) Research Methods: The Basics, London: Routledge