research project b

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• Research Project B (SBS) Part 1

Research Project B (SBS) Part 1 (BMSC90037)

Graduate coursework Points: 37.5 On Campus (Parkville)

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Contact information, semester 1 (extended).

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Dr Peter Kitchener [email protected]

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Semester 2 (Extended)

This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in biomedical science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Conduct substantial research in biomedical and health sciences.
• Design experiments to research a current area of Biomedical science.
• Prepare and give an oral and written presentation of the results.
• Express intellectual, scientific arguments; and
• Assimilate and critically evaluating existing knowledge within a scientific paradigm.

Generic skills

• Articulating the breadth of knowledge gained in biomedical science;
• Critical appraisal of draft documents; developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
• Expressing persuasive intellectual arguments;
• High level written report presentations;
• Managing a research project;
• Oral communication and presentation;
• Rigorous and independent thinking; and
• Time management and self-management skills.

Last updated: 8 November 2024

Research Project B

6 units of credit.

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Home » Research Project – Definition, Writing Guide and Ideas

Research Project – Definition, Writing Guide and Ideas

Table of Contents

A research project is a structured investigation into a specific question or topic aimed at discovering new information, testing theories, or solving problems. Research projects are common in academic, scientific, and professional settings, providing a foundation for innovation, knowledge expansion, and informed decision-making. This guide explains what a research project is, offers a step-by-step writing guide, and presents ideas to inspire your next research endeavor.

Research Project

A research project involves systematic investigation to answer a research question or test a hypothesis. It requires collecting and analyzing data, evaluating results, and drawing conclusions. Research projects can range from small-scale studies, like undergraduate papers, to large-scale investigations with significant societal impact, such as clinical trials or environmental research.

Characteristics of a Research Project :

• Objective : Research projects are typically guided by a specific objective or goal.
• Systematic Approach : Data collection and analysis follow a structured process to ensure reliability.
• Evidence-Based : Research findings are supported by data and established theories.
• Contributive : Results often contribute to existing knowledge or provide insights into a field.

Writing Guide for a Research Project

A research project has several components, each essential for building a coherent and compelling study. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing your research project:

Step 1: Define Your Research Question or Problem

• Identify the Topic : Start with a broad area of interest and narrow it down to a specific, manageable topic.
• Formulate the Research Question : Turn your topic into a research question. For example, if your topic is climate change, a possible question could be, “What are the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems?”
• Develop a Hypothesis (if applicable) : For hypothesis-driven research, state your expected outcomes based on prior knowledge.

Step 2: Conduct a Literature Review

• Gather Existing Research : Collect academic papers, books, and credible sources related to your topic.
• Summarize Key Findings : Identify and summarize the major findings, theories, and gaps in current research.
• Establish Your Study’s Relevance : Explain how your research will contribute to existing knowledge by addressing an unresolved issue or adding a new perspective.

Step 3: Design the Research Methodology

• Choose a Research Design : Select a design that suits your question, such as experimental, observational, or survey-based.
• Select Data Collection Methods : Decide on the techniques you’ll use to gather data, like interviews, surveys, or field observations.
• Define the Sample Size and Criteria : Specify who or what will be included in the study, and outline your sampling method.
• Describe the Data Analysis Plan : Explain how you’ll analyze the data. This could involve statistical tests, coding qualitative data, or comparing groups.

Step 4: Collect and Analyze Data

• Execute the Data Collection Plan : Implement your data collection methods, following ethical guidelines and proper procedures.
• Analyze the Data : Use appropriate software or methods to interpret your data. Quantitative data might involve statistical analysis, while qualitative data might require thematic analysis.

Step 5: Present Findings and Interpret Results

• Summarize Key Results : Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables, graphs, or charts where appropriate.
• Interpret the Results : Discuss what the findings mean in relation to your research question and hypothesis.
• Acknowledge Limitations : Highlight any limitations of your study, such as sample size or methodological constraints, that could affect your conclusions.

Step 6: Write the Conclusion and Recommendations

• Draw Conclusions : Summarize the main insights from your research and indicate whether your hypothesis was supported.
• Offer Recommendations : Suggest potential applications for your findings or propose further research directions.
• Reflect on Implications : Discuss the broader impact of your research on the field or society.

Step 7: Write and Organize the Research Report

Your final report should include the following sections:

• Title Page : Contains the project title, your name, date, and affiliation.
• Abstract : A brief summary of your research, highlighting the purpose, methodology, and findings.
• Introduction : Introduces the research problem, objectives, and significance of the study.
• Literature Review : Summarizes existing research and establishes your study’s relevance.
• Methodology : Details the research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
• Results : Presents the findings in a structured format, often with visuals.
• Discussion : Interprets the results, compares them to prior research, and explores implications.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the study’s outcomes and suggests areas for further research.
• References : Lists all sources cited in your project.

Research Project Ideas

Here are some research project ideas across different fields to inspire your study:

1. Social Sciences

• Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health : Examines how different social media platforms influence teenagers’ self-esteem and anxiety levels.
• Effects of Remote Work on Employee Productivity : Studies how working from home affects productivity and work-life balance.
• Role of Social Support in Coping with Chronic Illness : Investigates how social support networks affect physical and mental health outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses.

2. Business and Economics

• Impact of Brand Loyalty on Consumer Purchasing Decisions : Analyzes how loyalty programs and brand reputation influence buying behavior.
• Influence of Digital Marketing on Small Business Growth : Explores how small businesses benefit from using digital marketing channels like social media and SEO.
• Effects of Inflation on Consumer Spending Patterns : Studies how inflation rates influence consumer habits and spending priorities.

3. Environmental Science

• Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life : Investigates how plastic waste affects ecosystems and wildlife in oceans.
• Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Policies : Analyzes the success and challenges of policies promoting solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources.
• Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Tropical Rainforests : Studies how climate variations impact species diversity and ecosystem stability.

4. Education

• Impact of Technology on Student Engagement in Online Learning : Explores how digital tools like interactive platforms and gamification affect students’ attention and motivation.
• Role of Parental Involvement in Academic Performance : Studies how parent engagement impacts children’s educational outcomes.
• Effectiveness of Experiential Learning in STEM Education : Investigates whether hands-on, real-world experiences improve students’ understanding of STEM concepts.

5. Health and Medicine

• Effects of Diet on Cognitive Function : Studies the impact of different diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, on cognitive health and memory.
• Influence of Exercise on Mental Health : Investigates how physical activity affects mood and stress management.
• Effectiveness of Vaccination Programs in Reducing Infectious Diseases : Analyzes the outcomes of vaccination campaigns and barriers to vaccination uptake.

Tips for Choosing a Research Project Topic

• Identify Your Interests : Select a topic that genuinely interests you. Engaging with a subject you’re passionate about will make the research process more enjoyable.
• Consider Relevance : Choose a topic that has significance and relevance to current trends or issues in your field.
• Evaluate Feasibility : Make sure the project is practical within your timeframe, budget, and available resources.
• Review Existing Research : Conduct a preliminary literature review to see if there is enough material and to identify any knowledge gaps.
• Clarify Objectives : Define clear research objectives and ensure the topic aligns with them, giving your study a focused direction.

A well-planned research project can provide meaningful contributions to your field of study and demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities. From defining a focused research question to presenting clear findings, each step is essential for creating a comprehensive and impactful study. By choosing a relevant topic and following a structured approach, you can conduct a successful research project that adds valuable insights to your area of interest.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students . Pearson Education.
• Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods . Oxford University Press.
• Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research . Sage Publications.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to ace the Research Project in SACE

As daunting as it may sound, let’s dive into what the SACE research project is and how you can make it as useful to you as possible (and maybe even fun!)

2 years ago   •   4 min read

Ahhh the research project - the subject of developing a specific, (but not too specific!) open-ended research question on the topic of your choice. Your entire semester will revolve around this developed question, and you’ll keep on coming back to it to write reflections on your progress as you go. As daunting as this may sound, let’s first dive into what the research project is and how you can make it as useful to you as possible (and maybe even fun!)

So what is the research project?

Unlike your other SACE stage 2 subjects being 20 credits, the research project is a 10-credit SACE subject you will either complete in year 11 or 12 depending on which high school you attend. The subject consists of three parts: the folio, outcome, and review for research project A or the evaluation if you are undertaking research project B. Despite research projects A and B having different performance standards, both encourage you to explore a topic of choice in depth, gathering various sources and writing reflections on your learning. In the first few weeks of the subject, your teacher will guide you when developing your question. The folio is 10 pages in length and typically consists of your reflections and the main sources you have collected through your research (both primary and secondary sources!). You will then write an outcome that is essentially answering your original research question. Lastly, comes the evaluation or review where you will write an overall reflection and evaluate the findings in the outcome.

So why is the research project necessary?

While the big workload can be overwhelming at first, the research project is good at teaching you analytical and research skills. Doing source analysis enables you to critically evaluate your chosen sources. You will scrutinize the reliability, credibility, and validity of each of your sources. While the relevance of doing all these analyses may be hard to see at this time, the skills you develop are extremely useful during university and in the workplace. You want to be confident that the information you use can be relied upon and is not something just made up by someone. Treat the research project as a practice for your post-high school life. You want to make sure that you have these skills in your toolbox for when you really need them!

How do I develop the best question for my topic of interest?

The most important part of the research is picking the right topic. You want to pick something you have a strong interest in. This way, it will be much easier for you to feel more motivated to sit down and do your research. However, at the same time, you want to pick a topic that will have lots of research behind it, you don't want to be stuck for sources! To avoid this, write down a list of topics you have an interest in and do some research on each - see what is available online or at a local library. This way, you will be more prepared when your teacher comes over to your desk to ask you what you have done so far! Once you have picked your topic, create another list of possible questions you could investigate. These questions should be open-ended, not just with a simple yes or no answer. Keep in mind you will be writing a 1500 to 2000-word answer to this question, so make it a question you can go into complete depth with. Typical questions should be specific and may begin with ‘to what extent’, ‘evaluate’, ‘what’ or ‘how’. For example, if you picked social media as your topic, your question could be ‘to what extent does social media use impact the attention spans of teenagers aged 13-17?’ rather than ‘does social media impact attention spans?’. You may then have to break down your main question into four more guiding questions to help you structure your folio and outcome. For example, ‘how much time do teenagers aged 13-17 spend on social media every day?’. It is important that you keep documentation of this process as you will be displaying it in your folio.

If you're interested in learning how to write the best SHE task - check out this comprehensive guide.

But how do I complete my folio?

The folio is the first assessment of both research projects A and B. There is no right or wrong way to complete it but you do have to follow specific SACE criteria if you want the highest marks. The majority of students start their project with how they came to their question and a reflection on this process. You can then include the main sources you have used with source analysis. Organising interviews with professionals in your topic’s field and sending out surveys really impresses SACE markers as it shows your engagement with the subject. It demonstrates your research skills and independence to create your own data to support your outcome. Your folio should also include a capability statement to show how you have developed in your chosen SACE capability.

What should I write in my outcome? How do I do my evaluation or review?

Your outcome is the synthesis of all your ideas and findings. You can structure it however you want. This may be in the form of a magazine, report, project, video or in any other form which demonstrates all that research you have done. You must clearly conclude your findings and cite your sources. For research project A, the review begins with a 150-word summary of the process and then a 1500-word review follows which focuses on a reflection of your knowledge and skills as well as the quality of your outcome. For research project B, you should also begin with a 150-word summary of the process and then follow with a 1500-word evaluation, critically evaluating your decisions and processes as well as determining the quality of your outcome. Above all, keep in mind that your teacher is there to help you through this process. It is exciting as you begin to come up with an answer to your question. If you need any help during this time, you can find your best local tutor at: https://kisacademics.com/find-a-tutor . SACE tutors understand how stressful it can be and are more than happy to help!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for SACE English, Biology and Psychology, Charlotte Kenning. Charlotte is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Charlotte's profile here and request her as a tutor.

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