Research 201: Group
Exercise
© Brian Brown 1999-2000. All rights
reserved.
Brief Description
This is a student group exercise (five students per
group). Groups will each conduct their own separate small-scale
research project.
| Task | Description | Timetable |
1 |
Assemble your group and select a group leader | Immediately |
2 |
Define a problem to research (select one problem from the list in Appendix A) | Immediately |
3 |
Develop a hypothesis or set of research questions | Immediately |
4 |
Develop a research project that will either prove or disprove your hypothesis | Week 1 and 2 |
5 |
Analyse the results | Week 2-3 |
6 |
Develop your presentation and have it printed | Week 4 |
7 |
Present your findings | Week 5 |
Split your group evenly into two groups, with two persons per group.
Group 1
This group will have one person develop the research instrument and the other will conduct the research.Group 2
This group will have one person analyse the results and the other will develop the presentation.Group Leader
This person will oversee the research and ensure it is kept on track. They will report to the lecturer once a week (early in the week) to provide an update of the project status. In addition, they will present the findings to the class.Group Responsibilities
The group will provide one copy of their work to each other member of the group, and an additional copy to the lecturer. The major findings will be summarised by the group leader and be presented to each member of the group (in printed form) and an additional copy provided to the lecturer.
Assessment
The following table shows how this exercise will be
graded.
| Assessment | Mark Allocation |
Due Date |
Weighting |
| Research Exercise | 70 |
Week 5 |
70 |
This exercise is a group grade. Each member of the group is expected to contribute equally. In certain cases, group members who fail to contribute to the group can expect to receive a lower grade than other members of the group.
Grievance Procedures
In the first instance, please discuss this with the
lecturer. If you are unsatisfied, the next course of action is
for you to take it to the course controller in charge of the
course. Failing that, you can take your complaint to the Head of
School. The last resort above that is the CIT Academic board.
Procedures are outlined in the student handbook.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not accepted. Included in the definition of
plagiarism are:
Work that shows evidence of plagiarism will be penalised in accordance with the seriousness of the case. This may involve reductions in grades for minor infractions, a failing grade for more serious cases, and in extreme circumstances the disciplinary procedures of the institute may be invoked.
Appendix A
The following is a list of possible research topics