LO1 - Identify an appropriate area of Master’s level research and develop a clear and relevant research question and objectives

2026-02-11 13:43:54

 

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Module Number:    MRS7012                             

Module Name:        Advanced Research Methodology

Year/Trimester:      2025/26 Semester 1

Module Tutor/s:      

Assignment Number and Type:  Coursework (Portfolio)

Assignment Title:                 See below

Assignment Length:             See below

Submission Deadline: Oral Assessment – Presentation: 14/11/2025

   Written Report: 30/11/2025

   Portfolio (Annotated References, Report, and Essay) 14/12/2025

Learning Outcomes Assessed: 

Module Learning Outcomes

 

Assessment No.

and Type

LO1 Identify an appropriate area of Master’s level research and develop a clear and relevant research question and objectives

Part 1 - Oral Assessment

A Presentation of research area, research question and objectives

LO2 Develop a systematic and justifiable plan to address the research question and objectives – including a provisional conceptual framework

Part 2 - Written Report

A Research Plan: Critical Reflection leading to the development of a Research Plan

LO3 Identify and critically evaluate key secondary sources in order to underpin your research project

Part 3 (A) - Portfolio of evidence: Annotated References

An annotated reference list (a reference list with a critical summary of each source included) which evidences the initial research undertaken to develop the Research Plan

LO4 Identify and synthesise appropriate research philosophies, approaches, strategies and analysis methods to address your research question and objectives.

Part 3 (B) - Portfolio of evidence: Written Essay 

An Essay on the research philosophy appropriate for your study, approaches, strategies and analytical methods used to address your research questions and objectives

Assignment Brief Format:

Assessment item

Due Date

 

Weight

1

 

Oral Assessment - Presentation

14/11/2025

20%

2

Written Report – A Research Plan

30/11/2025

20%

3

Portfolio of Evidence (Annotated References and Essay)

 

14/12/2025

 

60%

Main Sections of Assessment Brief

Written Project Output – Oral Assessment - Presentation 

Assessment Number           

Part 1

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Oral Assessment: Research question and objectives (15-20 minutes)

This is a presentation on a research area of your choice at master’s level within AI and emerging technologies. Learners are expected identify a research area by deeply clarifying the research problem, research questions and objectives. Thereafter, learners are required to develop and make a presentation on the subject matter to assessors. 20%

Assessment Name

Practical Research Presentation

Assessment Submission Date

14/11/2025

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1 - Identify an appropriate area of Master’s level research and develop a clear and relevant research question and objectives

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Your presentation should include:

  • Your introduction, context of the research, structure and problem statement
  • Research aims, Research objectives, Research questions
  • Conclusions, Recommendations, Practical Application, Future Direction. 

Written Piece – Academic Report

Assessment Number           

Part 2

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Written Report: A research plan (1500 words)

An academic report in which you synthesise and critically analyse the development of key theories and practices relating to the subject specialism leading to the development of a research plan. 20%

Assessment Name

Research Plan

Assessment Submission Date

27/11/2025

LO2 - Develop a systematic and justifiable plan to address the research question and objectives – including a provisional conceptual framework

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Your report should include:

  • A critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified
  • A critical evaluation of relevant key concepts and theories relating to the issue identified
  • A critical evaluation and application of the various research approaches, research strategies, data collection, and data analysis models and their implications for the issue you have selected.

The topic chosen could be (but does not have to be) one you are interested in studying for your research project. 

Practical Project Output - Portfolio of Evidence: Annotated Reference/Bibliography 

Assessment Number           

Part 3 (A)

Assessment Type (and weighting)

A Portfolio of Evidence: Annotated Reference List

An annotated reference list (a reference list with a critical summary of each source included) which evidences the initial bibliography undertaken to develop the Part 1 and Part 2. (Formulates a total of 60% with Part B)

Assessment Name

Portfolio of Evidence (A)

Assessment Submission Date

14/12/2025

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO3 - Identify and critically evaluate key secondary sources in order to underpin your research project

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Applications in this Assessment

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Assessment Task:

You are required to develop an Annotated Reference List (a reference list with a critical summary of each source included) which evidences the initial research undertaken on one major issue within AI and Emerging Technologies

The assessment comprises one part: Develop an Annotated Reference List with a critical summary of sources you have read needed as part of your portfolio.

Plan

Title

what

why

How

Where

When

X

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Practical Project Output - Portfolio of Evidence: Written Report and Essay

Assessment Number           

Part 3 (B)

Assessment Type (and weighting)

 A written essay on the research philosophy appropriate for your study, the approaches, strategies and analytical methods used to address your research questions and objectives. (Formulates a total of 60% with Part A)

Assessment Name

Portfolio of Evidence (B)

Assessment Submission Date

14/12/2025

LO4 - Identify and synthesise appropriate research philosophies, approaches, strategies and analysis methods to address your research question and objectives.

You should provide an academic report to include:

  • Evaluation of the concept and theories
  • plan for the report including an overview of the sections you will include research approaches, paradigm, strategies, data collection, data analysis, and their implications.
  • indicate the academic sources

You should provide an academic essay

  • on the research philosophy appropriate for your study
  • develop a comprehensive theorical framework
  • justify the framework within the context of the subject matter of your research.

Declaration: At the end of the assessment, you should also include a declaration of any software tools including Generative AI (GAI) applications that you used in developing and completing the assessment.

Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements:

Level HE7 - It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include four refereed academic journals and five academic books.

Specific Assessment Criteria/Marking Scheme:

Distinction (70% and above)

An appropriate issue will have been selected and its relevance and importance to Research Design and Methods will be clearly explained.  An excellent critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be expertly synthesised and evaluated.  Current and emerging practices will be expertly evaluated, and the implications for the issues selected will be clear.   Relationships between concepts will be expertly elicited. Reflections will be succinct, insightful and original.

Extensive research demonstrating use of a wide range of contemporary and seminal sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be excellent. 

Merit (60% -69%)

An appropriate issue will have been selected and its relevance and importance to Research Design and Methods will be clearly explained.  A critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be synthesised and evaluated.  Current and emerging practices will be evaluated, and the implications for the issues selected will be clear.    Reflections will be succinct and original.

Research demonstrating use of a wide range of relevant research sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be good. 

Pass (50%-59%)

The issue selected will be appropriate but relevance and importance and its relevance and importance to Research Design and Methods may not be explicit.  An appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be discussed, but synthesis and evaluation may not be in depth.  Current and emerging practices will be discussed but the link to the issue may be limited.    Some original reflections will be presented.

Research demonstrating use of a range of relevant research sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be satisfactory. 

Fail (Below 50%)

Students who do not meet the requirements of the Pass criteria will not successfully complete the assessment activity.

(Also see Section 16: General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments)

It should be accompanied by an annotated bibliography.  (You can find guidance on annotate bibliographies here

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/index.html

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/media/departments/lis/skills/study-guides/LS136-Guide-to-Writing-an-Annotated-Bibliography.pdf

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/academic-development/online-resources/annotated-bibliography) 

General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments

GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES – LEVEL HE7

 

 

Relevance

Learning outcomes must be met for an overall pass

Knowledge and Understanding

Analysis, Creativity and Problem-Solving

Self-awareness and Reflection

Research/

Referencing

Written English

Presentation and Structure

 

DISTINCTION

Exceptional Quality

85-100%

Work is directly relevant and expertly addresses the requirements of the brief.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates an exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice which is beyond the threshold expectation for the level.

 

Produces exceptional work which makes a contribution to knowledge in the subject area.

Presents an exceptional critique of advanced research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.

Expertly interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates exceptional creative flair and a high level of originality.

Develops distinctive, insightful and creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides insightful reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility.

An extensive range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

An exceptionally well written answer with only rare errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a wide range of less common and more advanced vocabulary and sentence types fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are expertly structured with linking and signposting.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured.

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

Excellent Quality

70-84%

Work is relevant and comprehensively addresses the requirements of the brief.

 

Learning outcomes are met.  

Demonstrates an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Clearly demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge. 

Presents an excellent critique of advanced research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.

Comprehensively interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates excellent creative flair and a high level of originality.

Develops distinctive and creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides excellent reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility

A wide range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

A very well written answer with very few errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a wide range of vocabulary and sentence types fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are very well structured with linking and signposting.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

MERIT

Good Quality

60-69%

Work is relevant and addresses most of the requirements of the brief well.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a thorough breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge. 

Presents a comprehensive critique of advanced research material resulting in clear and original conclusions.

Systematically interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates creative flair and originality.

Develops creative solutions to complex problems.

 

Provides good reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

A range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

In the main, sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

A well written answer with some minor errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a range of vocabulary and sentence types to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are well structured with linking and signposting.

 

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured in the main.

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

PASS

Satisfactory Quality

50-59%

Work addresses the requirements of the brief, although superficially in places. Minor irrelevant content.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge in places. 

Presents some critique of advanced research material resulting in original conclusions.

 

Shows the ability to systematically interpret complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

 

Demonstrates creative flair and originality.

 

Develops some creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides justified reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

 

 

 

Advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Some errors evident in relation to referencing the text and Reference List/Bibliography

Writing style is readable and relevant to requirements of the assessment in the main.

Competently written with minor lapses in spelling, grammar and punctuation. For example, paragraphs are structured and include some linking and signposting. Sentences are complete.

A range of appropriate vocabulary is used.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Logically structured in the most part.

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not all relevant or referred to.

FAIL

Borderline Fail

45-49%

Work addresses some of the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

 

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Some omissions evident in knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates limited originality in the application of knowledge.

A limited critique of research material presented, with simplistic conclusions drawn.

 

Some complex matters and ideas interpreted but not systematically, resulting in flawed judgements.

 

Limited creativity and originality evident.

 

Demonstrates insufficient problem- solving skills and initiative.

Provides limited reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

Sources selected are limited and lack validity/relevance.

 

Poor referencing technique employed. 

Writing style is generally readable but lacks relevance to requirements of the assessment in places.

Intermittent lapses in grammar, spelling and punctuation pose obstacles for the reader. For example, some paragraphs may lack structure and there is limited linking and signposting.

Some appropriate vocabulary is used

For the type of assignment the presentational style, layout and/or structure are lacking.

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not clear, relevant and/or referred to.

Fail

0-44%

 

Work does not address the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

 

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Demonstrates inadequate knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

A lack of originality in the application of knowledge is evident.

An absence of critique of research material evident with unjustified conclusions.

 

Complex matters and ideas not interpreted correctly resulting in flawed judgements.

 

Creativity and originality are absent.   

 

Insufficient problem-solving skills and initiative demonstrated.

Provides inadequate reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

Relevant and valid sources are not selected.

 

Poor referencing technique employed.

Writing style is unclear and does not match the requirements of the assessment in question.

Deficiencies in spelling, grammar and punctuation makes reading difficult and arguments unclear. Unstructured paragraphs

For the type of assignment the presentational style, layout and/or structure are lacking.

 

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not clear, relevant and/or referred to.
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