Core: Research Methodology

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

What ethical responsibilities does a researcher owe to respondents and to the integrity of the research?

Ethical behaviour in research: informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, privacy, handling sensitive topics, avoiding harm, acknowledging sources and presenting findings honestly

Ethical behaviour. Covers informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, privacy, sensitive topics, avoiding harm, acknowledging sources, and presenting findings honestly.

7 min read →

What are the most appropriate research methods to collect reliable and valid data?

Research methods: questionnaires, interviews, observations, case studies, sampling, and the selection of methods appropriate to the research question, with attention to reliability, validity and bias

Research methods. Covers questionnaires, interviews, observations and case studies, sampling, and how reliability, validity and bias guide the selection of an appropriate method.

6 min read →

How does the choice of sample shape whether research findings can be trusted and generalised?

Sampling: the sample group and sample size, random, stratified and convenience sampling, and how sampling decisions affect the reliability, validity and generalisability of findings

Sampling. Covers the sample group and size, random, stratified and convenience sampling, and how sampling choices affect reliability, validity and the ability to generalise findings.

7 min read →

How do students plan, conduct and present an Independent Research Project?

The Independent Research Project (IRP): selecting a topic and research question, planning, conducting research ethically, analysing and presenting findings, and evaluating the process

Independent Research Project. Covers choosing a topic and research question, planning, ethical research practice, analysis, presentation and evaluation of the IRP.

7 min read →

How is a sound research proposal planned and structured before any data is collected?

The research process: identifying an area of interest, developing a research question and hypothesis, planning a research proposal, designing a timeline, and managing resources to carry out an investigation

Research process and proposal. Covers choosing an area of interest, writing a research question and hypothesis, planning the proposal, building a timeline, and managing resources before data collection begins.

6 min read →

How is raw research data turned into meaningful, clearly presented findings?

Analysing and presenting data: qualitative and quantitative data, organising and interpreting results, using tables, graphs and statistics, and drawing valid conclusions linked to the research question

Analysing and presenting data. Covers qualitative and quantitative data, organising and interpreting results, tables, graphs and statistics, and drawing valid conclusions tied to the research question.

7 min read →