This criterion assesses the extent to which the student effectively communicates the methodology (purpose and practice) used to address the research question.
| Mark | Descriptor |
| 0 | The student's report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. |
| 1-2 | • The research question is stated without context. • Methodological considerations associated with collecting data relevant to the research question are stated. • The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data lacks the detail to allow for the investigation to be reproduced. |
| 3-4 | • The research question is outlined within a broad context. • Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to answer the research question are described. • The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the investigation to be reproduced with few ambiguities or omissions. |
| 5-6 | • The research question is described within a specific and appropriate context. • Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to answer the research question are explained. • The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the investigation to be reproduced. |
Clarifications for research design
A research question with context should contain reference to the dependent and independent variables, or two correlated variables, include a concise description of the system in which the research question is embedded, and include background theory of direct relevance.
Methodological considerations include:
- the selection of the methods for measuring the dependent and independent variables
- the selection of the databases or model and the sampling of data
- the decisions regarding the scope, quantity and quality of measurements (e.g. the range, interval or frequency of the independent variable, repetition and precision of measurements)
- the identification of control variables and the choice of method of their control
- the recognition of any safety, ethical or environmental issues that needed to be taken into account.
The description of the methodology refers to presenting sufficiently detailed information (such as specific materials used and precise procedural steps) while avoiding unnecessary or repetitive information, so that the reader may readily understand how the methodology was implemented and could in principle repeat the investigation.