Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

The student will be required to write a critique of popular writing, extension literature, or the “grey” literature, that deals with an academic subject relating to their degree scheme. The student will be asked to identify the important questions that the article addresses, and the nature of the answers that it gives. A body of scientific / appropriate literature that relates to these questions should then be identified, and a structured review written to discuss the extent to which the chosen article is supported by the relevant literature, the reasons for this, and future directions for the research area. All projects will require students to work independently under the guidance of a supervisor.
The intellectual tasks involved in preparing report will include:
1. Writing a structured review that indicates a systematic approach to problem solving
2. Evaluating written comments in popular and peer reviewed literature
3. Investigating and evaluating data analyses in the academic literature. Some reports may extend to more formal statistical analysis, but this will not be obligatory.
4. Considering conflicting evidence, and identifying aspects of experimental design and research methodologies that give rise to this conflict.
5. Identification of gaps in research and future directions for the research area.

The nature of the review will reflect the interests of individual students and while there will be variation in the emphasis of the work, all reports are governed by the same regulations and must aim to achieve the same learning objectives. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor (at least once every two weeks during the semester) to discuss progress.
An introductory lecture will provide guidance on how to approach the research. Optional fortnightly drop-in clinics will be held to provide advice on specific aspects of the preparation of the report.