Learners are expected to conduct the research project (P2) individually, considering the use of resources
and ethical and legal issues. Learners will need to collect, and record, their own data (P3). Evidence of this
could be reflected through witness statements from the tutor that clearly demonstrate learners’ performance
throughout the research project. As with the planning stage, evidence of ensuring the welfare and safety of
the participants should be included.
After conducting the project, learners will be required to produce (P4), using ICT, a research report that
covers the Unit content for ‘scientific structure of the research report’. In order to meet P4, learners’ research
project should have internal coherence. Learners should relate the literature to the aims of the project, making
arguments in the discussion section that are related specifically to project aims and drawing valid conclusions.
The research report must provide evidence of the use of a wide variety of books, periodicals and websites.
For P5, learners must produce a review of the project that outlines whether the project aims have been met,
providing evidence to support the review. Learners will need to describe the strengths of the project, areas
for improvement and make future recommendations for further research.
Grading criterion M1 builds on P1, and learners must explain how the chosen research design and data
collection method(s) will ensure data analysis is valid and reliable. In the conducting phase of the project (M2),
learners must correctly analyse the collected data, for example, correctly using statistical formulae to calculate
the correct answers or correctly coding interview transcriptions. Data must be analysed in a valid manner and
a description provided of the techniques used.
When reviewing the project (M3), learners must explain whether or not the aims of the project were
achieved and the evidence they have to support their conclusion. Learners will also need to explain areas for
improvement and future recommendations for further research.
In the conducting stage (D1), learners will need to analyse the data effectively and provide an explanation
of the data analysis techniques used. For D2, learners should review their research project and justify their
proposals for further research. In their justification, learners should provide reasons or give evidence to
support how they arrived at their conclusions.