The purpose of the dissertation is clearly stated. As a formative stage towards the dissertation, the statement of clear and appropriately focused research questions is of great importance. Where appropriate a rationale is given. The local and national context is clearly stated. In this formative stage, there should be a review of the literature linked to the purpose of the dissertation which establishers the main structure and themes and generates relevant research questions and theoretical frameworks.
Credit is given for the relevance and breadth of the reading and the clarity of the review.
Reference should be made to appropriate journals and books. There is limited space in the Research Methods assignment to develop the detail which will be required in the dissertation, but the research approaches considered should be briefly explained. The selected overall research approach and the research tools to be used should be described and justified in the context of the purpose of the dissertation. Where a survey is to be used, the approach to sampling should be indicated. An explanation of the approach to analysis should also be included.