Research Paper

RESEARCH TITLE AND TOPIC
Research topic is clear and researchable and relevant to discipline area under study.
The title describes the study, including the research processes in a clear and concise manner.
The research topic is insightful in relation to the discipline area under study.
The title is catchy and readily gains the reader’s interest.

BACKGROUND
Background provides a clear indication of why the issue/ concern should be studied.
Context is clearly aligned to discipline area.
Two or more sources have been used and integration between sources is evident.
In addition, multiple, three or more, sources are integrated to provide a holistic and in depth understanding of the context and discipline area within which the study will take place.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
Research problem is clearly outlined; reader is left in no doubt of the research problem.
The answer provides an explanation of what the problem is, why it is a problem and why it needs to be solved.
Criteria may or may not be specifically stated, but it is evident that careful consideration has been given all of the research criteria for a research problem (pg. 66 of prescribed text).

RELEVANCE/ MOTIVATION
The relevance of the study justifies the necessity of the study, and the justification is generally well-argued.
Link to current studies is evident.
In addition, there is evidence of understanding who and how the research will be used.

RESEARCH QUESTION AND HYPOTHESES/ OBJECTIVES
The research question is clearly linked to the research problem
Research question is phrased as a question and the question does not suppose answers.
Hypothesis/ objectives are provided as per the research question and are clear and will lead to investigation of the research problem/ issue.
In addition, the questions and hypothesis/ objectives are sharp, specific, clear and concise, and seem feasible and ethical in nature.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
One or more suitable theories have been identified and there is a clear and coherent discussion of how the theory applies to the research.
Both the explanation of theory and the justification of the theory is clear and well argued.
The explanation and justification of the theory are integrated into one holistic discussion.

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH
The following is evident:
Minimum of five relevant and credible sources of academic literature and previous research studies identified and described.
Application of the previous literature to the research topic is evident.
Coherent structure and organisation of the literature.
Critical analysis of the literature, rather than a summarised or annotated bibliography.
Independent thinking demonstrated, and has been positioned within research and identified academic gap.
Argumentation follows logically and is substantiated.
Sources have been integrated and synthesised.

CONCEPTUALISATION OR OPERATIONALI SATION OF KEY TERMS
Key concepts have been identified and a concise definition is provided that combines sources to conceptualise and operationalise key concepts.
Key concepts are explained in relation to research problem.

FORMATTING AND LOGICAL FLOW
Headings are provided.
Sub-headings are provided.
Structure is clear.
Transitions between sections are clear.

SPELLING, GRAMMAR AND ACADEMIC TONE
No spelling or grammar errors.
Easy to read, fluent and appropriate academic style.
Language used is appropriate for academic writing (e.g. there is no slang, colloquial, first person etc.).
Concise writing avoiding unnecessary verbosity.