What is research?

(Creswell & Creswell, 2018)

What is the difference between an assignment and a research project?

1. Assignment

An assignment is a task your lecturer gives you to check your understanding of a topic already taught.
It usually has:

• Clear instructions

• Specific questions or tasks to complete

• Shorter length

• Limited scope

• Information mostly taken from class notes or assigned readings

Goal: Show that you understood the material. (for example, and ICE task)

2. Research Project

A research project is a deeper investigation where you explore a question or topic in detail, using information you find yourself.
It typically involves:

• Choosing or refining a topic

• Doing independent research (books, articles, data, interviews, etc.)

• Analysing and interpreting information

• Longer writing or a presentation

• Citing sources

Goal: Produce new insights or a well-supported understanding of a topic.

How to Start a Research Project

The planning process is very important when doing a research project because it makes the entire task easier, clearer, and more successful

Read the project brief carefully

Before doing anything else, understand exactly what the task is asking:

• What is the task type? (Analyse? Discuss? Compare?)

• What format is required? (Essay, report, presentation?)

• What are the length, deadline, and citation requirements?

• Are there specific questions or prompts?

Tip: Highlight key words like analyse, evaluate, describe, argue.

After choosing your research topic you need to decide on the sources you are going to use.