Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Computing
PEARSON SET ASSIGNMENT
UNIT 13: Computing Research Project
For use with the following qualifications: Pearson BTEC Higher National
Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Computing
Issue 1
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UNIT 13: Computing Research Project - Pearson Higher Nationals in Computing, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Information Technology
PEARSON SET ASSIGNMENT For use with the following qualifications: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Computing
Typology: Study Guides, Projects, Research
2021/2022
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Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Computing
PEARSON SET ASSIGNMENT
UNIT 13: Computing Research Project
For use with the following qualifications: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Computing
Issue 1
Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualification websites at www.edexcel.com, www.btec.co.uk or www.lcci.org. uk. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at qualifications. pearson.com/contactus About Pearson Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at qualifications.pearson.com References to third-party material made in this specification are made in good faith. We do not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this document is correct at time of publication. All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2016
Contents
- Unit Planning
- The role of the Tutor
- Milestones and interim feedback
- Authentication of a project
- Guidance for Tutors
- Guidance for Students
- Proposal form
- Computing Research Project Brief
- Templates
- Research Proposal Form
- Research Ethics Approval Form
- Assessment Criteria
C/D in Computing 2016 Unit Planning The aim of this unit is to offer students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. The unit enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme, to develop research aims, objectives and outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. The unit also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research process, during which recommendations for future and personal development are key learning points. Students will choose their own research project based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The project must be related to their specialist pathway of study (unless the student is studying the general Computing pathway). This will enable students to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of Computing in the context of their chosen specialist pathway. Centres should consider the best way to deliver the unit according to the needs of the students. Possible delivery methods include whole-class teaching, small group teaching, or e-learning. The unit should be taught in the way(s) most appropriate to the students and the centre. Some suggestions include:
- a block of lessons at the start of the course
- lessons throughout the course
- small-group teaching, focusing on relevant aspects
- teaching of, or seminars on, research methods, project management, and/or subject-specific skills delivered by external experts. Delivery should include the development of:
- project management skills
- research skills
- writing, investigative, field study, performance or production skills, as appropriate presentation skills. Please note that there is a suggested scheme of work for this unit linked to HN Global at www.highernationals.com.
Guidance for Tutors Research project briefs for this unit must be based on a proposal defined by the student.
- The student must agree and sign off their research proposal with you before embarking on their project. If this requires extra time to agree, this could be addressed through the student’s tutorial time.
- On the following pages, there is an example of a research project proposal. This will form the basis of their project and must be related to their specific pathway, unless the student is on the general Computing pathway.
- Students must complete the research project in order to complete their work for this unit.
- Group work is not appropriate for this project. Student work must be individual.
- Students should be taught how to go about planning, researching, conducting, recording and reflecting on the research project.
- It is advisable to direct students to appropriate research sources and advise on qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Students will need to reflect on the success of their research project and their performance at the end of the project, with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations.
- The research project can take the following forms: ○Dissertation. ○Feasibility study. ○Investigation/fieldwork. Guidance for Students You should read this information before starting to define and work through your research brief. You should refer to these instructions as you complete work for this unit.
- Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as the foundation for the project.
- Choose a topic of personal interest in a specialism. The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and suitable degree of research through the existence of adequate background materials.
- A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria: ○The proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that can be reviewed. ○The proposal extends a current line of learning that will lend itself to further rigorous exploration.
- Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample.
- Ensure that your proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be submitted prior to completion of research as part of the research proposal.
- Agree your research proposal with your tutor before beginning your research.
- Conduct your research as outlined in the proposal agreed with your tutor.
- Carry out your research, analyse your research findings and draw conclusions. Apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research.
- Communicate your research outcomes in a manner appropriate to your audience.
- You will be asked to reflect on the success of your research project and evaluate the problems/issues encountered.
- On the following pages, there is an example of a research project brief.
- You must complete the research project in order to complete your work for this unit. Proposal form
- You will need to reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations.
- The research project can take the following forms: ○Dissertation. ○Feasibility study. ○Investigation/fieldwork.
Templates
Research Proposal Form
Stud ent nam e Cen tre nam e Tuto r Unit ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..... St ud en t nu m be r Da te ............ ............ ............ ....... ............ ............ ............ ....... Proposed title ................................................. ................................................................................................ ................................. Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities Title or working title of research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis): Research project objectives (e.g. what is the question you want to answer? What do you want to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?): Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project Reasons for choosing the project (e.g. links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important): Section Three: Literature sources searched Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
Section Four: Activities and timescales Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g. research, development, analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing the report) and likely durations:
Research Ethics Approval Form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data collected from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete. For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor. Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your Unit Tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to commence. Section One: Basic details Project title: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Student name: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Student number: ............................................................................................................................... Programme: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. School: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Intended research start date: ......................................................................................... Intended research end date: ........................................................................................... Section Two: Project summary Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
- Interviews
- Questionnaires
- Observations
- Use of personal records
- Data analysis
- Action research
- Focus groups
- Other (please specify): ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Section Three: Participants Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary. Will your research involve human participants? Who are the participants? Tick all that apply: Children aged 12–16: Young people aged 17–18: Adults: How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)? Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing: How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time? Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting questions they do not wish to answer? Yes: No: If No please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this: Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be observed. Yes: No: Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e. give them a brief explanation of the study)? Yes: No: Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief summary of your findings in general.) Yes: No:
Section Six: Declaration I have read, understood and will abide by [insert centre name] Research Ethics Policy: Yes: No: I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor: Yes: No: I confirm that to the best of my knowledge: The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that may arise in the course of my research. Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Date: ................................................................................... Please submit your completed form to: ......................................................................................................................................................................
Assessment Criteria Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria Pass Merit Distinction LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process LO1 & 2 D1 Critically evaluate research methodologies and processes in application to a computing research project to justify chosen research methods and analysis. P1 Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis supported by a literature review. P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research. M1 Evaluate different research approaches and methodology and make justifications for the choice of methods selected based on philosophical/theoretical frameworks. LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant for a computing research project P3 Conduct primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a computing research project that consider costs, access and ethical issues. P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research findings and data. M2 Discuss merits, limitations and pitfalls of approaches to data collection and analysis. LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders D2 Communicate critical analysis of the outcomes and make valid, justified recommendations. P5 Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience. M3 Coherently and logically communicate outcomes to the intended audience demonstrating how outcomes meet set research objectives. LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives of the business research project. M4 Provide critical reflection and insight that results in recommended actions for improvements and future research considerations. D3 Demonstrate reflection and engagement in the resource process leading to recommended actions for future improvement.