Total marks /20 Platinum
Structure and Structure is fully outlined and
rationale of the includes an explanation as to
research (is it a case why the structure was
study, an selected. The structure is
experiment, appropriate for the
correlational topic/question being
research? Is it investigated. Research is
longitudinal, cross- purposeful and justifiable by
sectional, etc.?) /3 its potential benefit.
Participants There is a full description of
/2 the number of participants,
their backgrounds and how
they were selected. Attention
has been paid to having a
robust sample size and
random sampling and
random assignment is
evident.
Hypothesis There is a thorough
/3 description of the hypothesis
and variables under
investigation (IV, DV if an
experiment) and
confounding variables.
Methods There is a full and detailed
/4 description of the methods
used in the research. The
methods make sense and
demonstrate an
understanding of the
scientific method
Results Results are included and they
/2 are connected to the
hypothesis; it is explicitly
stated that the data support
or do not support the
hypothesis and why.
Ethics No ethical issues! There was
/3 consideration of ethics in the
study’s design and with
ethical considerations fully
articulated.
Application Discussion of generalizability
/3 and application is thorough
and well thought out
Comments
Gold
The structure is well explained
but there may be some
confusion with the best fit of
structure for the research
intentions. Research serves a
legitimate purpose, though it
may not represent a large
benefit to society by its
contribution to knowledge.
There is a solid description of
the number of participants,
their backgrounds and how
they were selected. Some
attention has been paid to
having a robust sample size
and random sampling and
random assignment is evident
but there may be errors.
There is a satisfactory
description of the hypothesis
and variables under
investigation (IV, DV if an
experiment) and confounding
variables. There may be some
errors or gaps.
It is clear how the research
would be completed. It is
appropriate to the issue under
investigation though there
may be some confusing
elements
Results are included but there
is no connection made
between the results and the
hypothesis.
No ethical issues! There was
some mention of ethics in the
study’s design but this was
superficial or cursory.
Discussion of generalizability
and application is weak or
superficial
Silver
There is little explanation of
the structure of the research
and/or the structure does
not fit with research
intentions. The research is
possibly lacking research
merit and legitimacy.
Little description is given as
to the number of
participants, where they
came from or their
backgrounds. It is evident
that sample size, random
sampling, and random
assignment were not
considered.
There is an inadequate
description of the hypothesis
and variables under
investigation (IV, DV if an
experiment) and
confounding variables. There
may be many errors.
It is unclear how the
research would be
completed and/or it is not
appropriate to the issue
under investigation. There
may be errors in
methodology.
Results were not included.
Ethical issues are present or
ethics are not considered.
No mention is made of
generalizability or
application
 Hypothetical Research Design

You have collaborated with others to construct a hypothetical study in order to work with the
key methodology concepts we have examined. Now you have an individual opportunity to
demonstrate your comprehension of these key concepts.

Task

Create a hypothetical research study that would be justifiable by its potential benefit, including
its contribution to knowledge and understanding, social welfare and individual well-being.

You have the freedom to choose the area of your research (developmental, social,
therapeutic, etc.) but will use the key concepts explored in class to guide your research design.

• Explain the rationale and structure of your research (case-study, experiment, correlational
research (longitudinal, cross-sectional, mixed-longitudinal) etc.

• Outline the participants you expect to include and how you will recruit them

• Detail your hypothesis, variables (independent & dependent variables if an experiment),

controlled variables (anticipate confounding variables)

• Explain the procedure/methods you will use and your reasons for constructing the study in this
way.

• Explain what you anticipate the results would likely be and be sure to explain how you will deal
with the data you would collect (if it is quantitative versus qualitative – speak to how you
would analyze the data)

• Ensure that ethics provide the foundation for your study and that you clearly articulate the
ethical framework that is guiding your work

• Address the generalizability of the results and how your research can be applied to the benefit
of society

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from
failure. ~ Colin Powell