1. Stage 2 Child Studies Investigation
What you need to know.

2. What is the investigation
Independent research task
Research a contemporary issue
Related to a selected area of study
Relevant to subject
2000 word maximum
Externally marked
30% of total mark for the year

3. SACE Policies
Verification-needs to be verified by teacher that it is your own work
SACE word count policy (don’t exceed)
Student Research policy (be ethical)
Criteria for Judging performance

4. Keys to doing it well Carefully chose relevant contemporary issue
Choose an issue that interests you
Plan time management - Plan to divide time evenly between researching, sorting and analysing and writing

5. Keys to doing well (cont’d)
Formulate a suitable hypothesis or research question
Develop appropriate guiding questions
Understand and apply the learning outcomes

6. Keys to doing it well (cont’d)
Gather both primary and secondary sources
Recognise relevance and bias of sources
Ask for help and support throughout the process
Draft your study
Use the SACE website resources

7. A bit of advice from past students
Be careful with your choice of topic – make sure it is contemporary & interests you
Save your work in more than one place
If knocked back for an interview – try another source
Use people you know to help you find expert primary sources
Make sure you ask your teacher questions
Conduct thorough research
Start early – once the teacher introduces the task
Don’t give up
Keep a record of all your references.
Make sure you draft your study.

8. Choosing a contemporary issue
Choosing an issue – an issue can be defined as: a topic which generates debate from different perspectives, and about which people have differing opinions
An issue provides a good starting point for discussion as it provides different perspectives to examine.

9. A contemporary issue
A point of interest that is being debated by the media, government, industry or consumers.
It must be current to the subject area.
It is important that you can approach primary sources of information regarding your topic.
Check your ideas with your teacher
Eg – developing an idea for a special study