The world in which we live greatly influences the food choices that we make.’
You must write a 2000 word (approx.) research project based on a topic relating to your future studies. Your investigation will be centred on a research question that you devise, ensuring the question is specific enough to be satisfactorily answered within the time constraints of the project. There are four elements to the project, which are as follows:
1. A research project proposal (5%)
Word count: 100-200
Complete a research proposal form outlining such things as the topic, focus question, and a personal statement regarding why the topic was chosen.
2. Question analysis (20%)
Word count: 200
You might like to develop a mind map with annotations of the research question you have posed; illustrating the pathways of research you will need to undertake to answer your question.
3. Research process statement (25%)
Word count: 300-500
Develop a statement about your experience of researching the topic for assignment three. This could include aspects of the research process such as experimentation with keywords; accessing various sources; changes in direction in terms of altering your topic or refining your research question; or some other dimension of the research process. You may comment on all or some of these aspects.
4. A completed research project (50%)
Word count: 1300
Includes: set headings/sub-headings where appropriate; finished work must answer the question you pose; must demonstrate a wide range of sources that cover the topic with adequate breadth and depth (weighting will be loaded in this direction); may include a limited number of pictures to illustrate points.
Please Note: Your report must be an original piece of work that has not been submitted in part or in full in any other unit. Submission of past work will be failed without a grade. All submitted work will be automatically put through ‘Turnitin’ a software program available through MyLO that checks texts for originality.

Task outlines
1. A research project proposal
A research proposal is a formal statement outlining what it is that a student wants to investigate. The statement usually includes a research question on which the research will be based, and also background into why the research should be undertaken. There is also scope for a more personal statement of interest in a particular research topic.
Guidance for writing the proposal will be provided during class time in the tutorial session for week 7. Each student must submit a draft proposal form which will be assessed by your tutor to ensure the viability of the study you propose. Where more guidance is needed individual consultations will be timetabled to ensure that all students have a clear plan to go forward with their research.
2. Question Analysis
Through careful analysis of an assessment question – to determine the exact nature of what is being asked – a research plan or strategy can be developed. Having a research plan helps focus the research process, making the latter more effective and efficient as
a result.
Guidance for completing your question analysis will be provided through lectures and tutorial sessions. There will be an opportunity to draft your work during these sessions and submission will be with your completed project.
3. Research process – Progress and reflection
A research record is predicated on the idea that the research process involves several steps, all of which are key to the ultimate outcome of a project. As a developing process, research often involves:
personal reflection in relation to new information
decision making as to the relevance and application of the material gathered
Keeping a record of the above creates a powerful statement of how a research process evolves and, more importantly, how the researcher manages the shifting needs of a project. The expectation here is that you generate a narrative about your research experience.
A template will be available for students to record their research experience.
4. A completed literature research project
Written in report or essay form, your project can consist of a series of parts divided by sub headings, or be written in conventional essay format. The content of the work must demonstrate a sustained and critical approach to the question you have posed; ultimately answering the latter in a consistent fashion with the research material presented.
Graphs, illustrations and pictures may be used where appropriate.
Links to unit’s intended learning outcomes
1. Identify and retrieve information from a variety of sources
2. Select information appropriate to the academic task
3. Apply the requirements of referencing informed by the notion of academic integrity
4. Develop research and information strategies for an academic task
Task length
2000 words (approx.). The word count is the sum of all the four parts.
Date due
Week 13, Monday 12th October by 4pm
Submission method
MyLO drop-box
Assessment criteria
Specific criteria and instructions for this task will be provided by your tutor in the form of an:
Assignment 1 rubric
Additional guidance in MyLO and the lectures
The rubric is posted in the assignment 1 materials on MyLO and also attached here (see below). Weekly recorded lectures will be available in the weekly modules on MyLO.

The world in which we live greatly influences the food choices that we make.’