1. Determining topic and formulating question

The development of a specific research topic and area is an essential first step in order to begin and ultimately complete a successful depth study. Due to the requirements of our depth study, our question has to be in relation to the content covered in both Module One (‘Cells as the basis of Life’) and Module Two (‘The Organisation of Living Things’). It is advised to inquire about a topic of personal interest as research will be more engaging and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

After the establishment of a topic, it is then required to formulate a question in regards to a specific aspect of this topic. It is important to not include ‘closed’ statements in the question. The question must be able to have subtopic questions and/or areas to be researched. It ultimately must be able to be either proved or disproved and address the following questions:

  • 1. Is the investigation worth doing?

  • 2. Will the investigation deepen my understanding of a scientific phenomenon?

  • 3. Can the investigation be completed within the given time frame?

  • 4. Can I access the resources required to undertake the investigation and are the resources available?

2. Initial collection of sources and information

The initial collection of sources and information is a key step that establishes the framework of knowledge and then understanding surrounding the topic and question of the depth study. This can be done by generalised searches regarding the topic by using keywords, for me, these keywords included ‘radiation’, ‘Chernobyl’, ‘nuclear disasters’ and other similar terms. This step is completed throughout the initial stages of the depth study and assists with the formation of an aim, hypothesis and often helps to refine the overall research question.

3. Review of the topic

In order to complete the rest of the depth study, it is important to review the chosen topic and question that has been developed. This provides the opportunity to modify both the topic and particularly the question in regards to the initial research conducted in step 2.

4. a) Further accumulation of a wider variety of sources and information

b) Analysing credibility

Conducting further in-depth research that is directly specific to the overall question will not only allow a deeper understanding but provide the information needed to construct a conclusion, discussion and possibly an evaluation.

In order to increase reliability and accuracy, it is extremely important to accumulate information from a wide variety of sources. These may include relevant books (printed and digitalised), academic articles, journal articles, peer-reviewed papers, government indorsed sites and/or information found on scientific databases that are provided by the school (such as JSTOR and EBSCO).

It is essential to use and reference creditable sources as that increases the reliability and accuracy of the final conclusion and results of the depth study. To assess sources, utilisation of the ‘CRAAP’ Test is effective. This examines the:

  • 1. Currency: determining the date of publication and whether it has been updated

  • 2. Relevance: assessing the relation of the information to your topic

  • 3. Authority: evaluating the individual/ organisation responsible for the information

  • 4. Accuracy: investigate reliability and truthfulness of the content

  • 5. Purpose: identifying the intention of the information

5. Critical analysis of collected information

Using all collected information from creditable sources, (according to both personal judgement and the CRAAP Test), it is important to then critically analyse this data. This is essential in determining what information is necessary, assisting in both the development of a conclusion and categorising collected information in a cohesive manner. It also determines any limits evident in the data and exposes information that is missing and will need to be researched.

6. Peer Feedback

Following the completion of steps 1-5, where a comprehensive depth study including a question, aim, hypothesis, background, results, conclusion and discussion should be developed, I will then gain feedback from both an adult such as my parents, a science teacher or older siblings and also a peer. This feedback will allow the depth study to be refined accordingly, ensuring all elements of the depth study to be both accurate and described in an appropriate manner.

7. a) Finalise information,
b) Method of communication

The finalisation of information relates to the peer feedback received (above) as well as the process of refining collected data, as demonstrated in step 6. However, it also relates to necessary editing in terms of grammatical errors and comprehensive spelling checks. This enables the final depth study to be produced to an increased standard and reduces any possible margins of error. It is also important to ensure that all quotes or extracts from reputable sources are correctly in-text referenced and included in a formatted bibliography.

The final stage of completing the depth study is the method of communication of information to the readers. Some communication methods can include a scientific poster, a report, a video or a website. I have decided to create a website as I believe that will be the most effective way to communicate the information I have gathered in relation to my topic and question.

Ongoing Steps:

Some steps that must be completed throughout the entirety of the depth study include:

  • Journal Entries: to account for progress and the development of depth study.

  • Recording all sites visited: for future reference and accurate in-text referencing.