ASA6005 Community-Based Research (Part 1)

Small Research Project (5000 words)

This is an opportunity for students to conduct a small scale research project and apply research methods knowledge and skills in a professional context. This should be done in coordination with the Agency Supervisor. Students should select, shape and design a small research project that is relevant, integrated with and complementary to the fieldwork project, and can further contribute to achieving the objectives of their project. Examples of what the research report could entail, are as follows:

1) Desk-based research e.g. situational analysis or further review of an aspect of the fieldwork project or core issue being addressed by the host agency. For example, environmental education, domestic violence, Indigenous rights, in relation to the project context. In addition to furthering student learning in the particular area of focus, the research could also be useful for the host agency, for example, by contributing toward a grant submission or program design or evaluation process.
2) Data collection from the field. For example you may conduct small scale interviews, focus group discussions or surveys with respective stakeholders, on an aspect of your fieldwork.