Context:

This assessment is prescribed to advance literature searching, critical analysis, research question development, and research planning and project management skills.

This assessment involves developing a research question, conducting a thorough literature review, defining a gap in the literature, expressing a research question, describing the methodology and methods that will be used to answer the research question, and developing a GANTT chart to guide use of time in Capstone B.

It assesses the key understanding necessary for conceptualising and developing a research proposal, which will prepare you for the use of research methods as a public health practitioner.

Instructions:

By the end of Module 6, students will submit their full research proposal. This must include:

• Introductory background including a statement of the public health problem
• A background literature review
• Aims of your research, including the research question or hypothesis
• A rationale/justification of your research question or hypothesis indicating the significance of the project (research merit)
• Research design, methodology and methods
• A description of the type of data being gathered and from which sources.
• Justification of your study design, including your methodology, methods of sampling and data collection methods
• How you plan to analyse the research
• Any relevant ethical considerations
• How you plan to communicate and disseminate the research
• A list of references used
• Your GANTT chart describing the tasks and time-frames for your project

Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity of research problem and rationale provided for its significance (15%)
• Critical and comprehensive review of the literature (15%)
• Justification of research design and methods, including ethical considerations (30%)
• Logical and clear program plan using the GANTT chart method (10%)
• Regular communication with and attendance at meetings with facilitator (10%)
• General assessment criteria(20%):
  • Provides a lucidintroduction
  • Shows a sophisticated understanding of the key issues
  • Shows ability to interpret relevant information and literature in relation to chosen topic
  • Demonstrates acapacity to explainandapply relevant concepts
  • Shows evidence of reading beyond the required readings
  • Justifies any conclusions reached with well-formed arguments and not merely assertions
  • Provides a conclusion orsummary
  • Correctly uses academic writing, presentation and grammar:
    • Complies with academic standards of legibility, referencing and bibliographical details (including reference list)
    • Writesclearly, withaccuratespellingandgrammaras wellasproper sentence and paragraphconstruction
    • Uses appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research