1. Investigating and collecting information
National 5 Added Value
Investigating and collecting information

2. How to evaluate your research
10 marks!
With each method you use, you must evaluate it.
You must use a minimum of two research methods, commenting on its strengths and weaknesses.
To get full marks, you should also suggest improvements that you would make if you carried out the research again.

3. Research findings
2 pieces of info explained and source they came from with your own knowledge.
To get full marks, you must explain your topic and make reference to research you have done and offer alternative viewpoints.

4. SQA Guidelines
Evaluating the effectiveness of two research methods used, commenting on their strengths and weaknesses where appropriate 10
Candidates can be credited in a number of ways up to a maximum of 10 marks.
Research methods
For full marks, reference must be made to two research methods.
No marks available for identification of research methods or a description of the process. The materials taken into the production of evidence stage should relate to each of the research methods. Where no materials are provided to show evidence of research undertaken, a maximum of 4 marks may be awarded.
Up to 6 marks available for each research method, dependent upon factors such as:
evaluation of research methods, including why each was appropriate for chosen research question
strengths and/or weaknesses of research methods
improvements/alternative approaches suggested
links with resources/information taken into assessment
No marks should be awarded if the candidate’s information is directly copied from their research evidence.
The overview of marking grid provides further clarification on the allocation of marks.

5. Strengths and weaknesses
COPY
Key Term
How can you use this?
Relevant
Did it link to your topic? Was it for the area you required?
Date
Was the information in date / out of date? Regularly updated?
Reliable
Can you trust the information? Where has it come from?
Cost
Did you have to pay anything?
Access
Easy Access? Restricted? Time or usage restrictions?
Time
How long did you have to spend carrying out process?
Accuracy
Can you ensure the information is correct?

6. Evaluation of Research Justification of Method Disadvantages of Method
Be SPECIFIC! You must clearly explain your reasons and information
COPY
Justification of Method
WHY did you decide to use the internet?
WHAT did you use it for? Any specific websites used?
Advantages of Method
What was GOOD about using the internet?
HOW did it help your research process?
Disadvantages of Method
What was BAD about using the internet, what were the drawbacks?
HOW did this affect your research? (think time, cost, accuracy)
Future Practice
Would you use this method again for any research?
What would you do differently to approach any disadvantages?

7. Examples of evaluations Some information not right
Lots of reliable sources – SUCH AS? Name!
Some information not right
“More about the effects of drugs on health rather than the impact on society”
“There were not many examples specific to Scotland, most were England and Wales”
Easy to access
“Quick and easy to access information compared to looking in a series of books”
“Easy to access from phone or laptop so could access any place, any time”
Specific number of resources – time?

8. Example Assignment Topic and Research Evaluation
Topic – Gun Crime in the USA
Hypothesis – The abuse of gun ownership is a huge issue in the USA but not in Scotland.
Aims:
To find out the differences in gun ownership laws in the USA and Scotland
To investigate the levels of crimes committed with guns in the USA and Scotland
To find out governments’ responses to gun crime in the USA and Scotland.
Evaluation of Research Method – The Internet
During my research on I chose the internet as my first research method. I chose the internet because as a secondary research method there is a vast range of collected information readily available to search through. In addition to this, with part of my research focusing on the USA the internet was an ideal choice of research method as I could easily access information from the USA with no issues or cost. One of the many advantages of using the internet for my research topic was the large amount of up to date information available on gun ownership in the USA. Gun crime and ownership features regularly on news sites across the globe and by using the internet I was able to access these without barriers. Reliable sites such as the Guardian, BBC news and American sites including USA Today and CNN featured articles on gun ownership daily that I could save in my favourites to review at a later date, print or take notes from in my jotter. For example, during my internet searches there were numerous school shootings that took place between November 2013 and February 2014 including the 12 year old boy who shot dead classmates at Roswell Middle School (Texas) - as reported by USA Today - which provided a relevant, up to date case study.

9. Presenting findings
After you have completed your survey, you must consider how you will present it.
Meta-chart.com

11. Your survey should include:
Title / Heading – what is your information about?
ALL your survey questions – display the results for all your questions in a chosen format
HIGHLIGHT key information – labels, colour,
Make CONCLUSIONS where appropriate! – “majority of my sample did not know / were aware / are familiar with…”
Your survey should include:

12. Your draft write up will need:
COPY
A title
Hypothesis
Introduction
Aim 1 – describe and explain key features using research, KU. Can include graphs etc. Evaluation and mini conclusion
Repeat for aims 2 and 3
Analysis of research methods.
Conclusion – have you proved or disproved your hypothesis?

13. 1) State your topic and aims. Remember to write down why you chose it.
10 marks!