Assignment 1 | Role and Importance of Research (Individual)

For this assignment, drawing from the Unit 1 discussions and readings, you will write a paper addressing one or more of the foundational elements of research that stood out for you in terms of your own learning and understanding of practical research and evaluation. You may choose to outline a specific topic (e.g. What makes a good research question? What is the difference between primary and secondary research and where/how might they be used? What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research and how/where might they be used in relation to your research in this program?) or a collection of topics. Your paper must be a maximum of 1500 words (not including title page and references) and be double-spaced. You are expected to adhere to APA standards for citations and references and formatting and to back up your statements with appropriate academic literature.

Value: 20%

Submit: to the Assignment 1 dropbox in Moodle.

Course Learning Outcome/Assessment Criteria	Excellent (A+ to A)	Proficient (A- to B+)	Satisfactory (B to B-)	Unsatisfactory (F)
Citation and APA format	All citations and APA format are correct.	Most citations and APA formatting are correct.	Some citations and APA formatting are correct.	Few citations and APA formatting are correct.
Style, Grammar, Spelling	All grammar and spelling are correct.	Most grammar and spelling are correct.	Some grammar and spelling are correct.	Significant spelling and grammar errors.
Learning Outcome A Describes the meaning and importance of research.Assessment Criteria Presents statements that are backed up with valid evidence. Shows evidence of digital literacy skills. Identifies terms and concepts important to research. Demonstrates ability to synthesize, as well as summarize information. Demonstrates appropriate writing for context and audience.	The topic selected is relevant and clearly stated. The role and importance of research in relation to the topic are accurately stated.	The topic selected is mostly relevant and clearly stated. The role and importance of research in relation to the topic are mostly accurately stated.	The topic selected is somewhat relevant and clearly stated. The role and importance of research in relation to the topic are somewhat accurately stated.	The topic selected is not relevant and not clearly stated. The role and importance of research in relation to the topic are not accurately stated.
Learning Outcome B Develops arguments backed with evidence.Assessment Criteria Provides evidence of argumentation; it is easy for the reader to identify the argument and the information to back up the argument. Demonstrates evidence of digital literacy. Provides evidence of effective collaboration. Contributes in a clear and relevant manner. Uses images and other media appropriately. Organizes material coherently and concisely; it is easy for the reader to identify main points and follow the sequence of ideas and logic of the argument. Presents legible, error-free material and conforms to APA formatting and citation conventions. Participates in individual and team class activities in a manner that advances construction of collective knowledge within the course.	Statements regarding the role and importance of research are backed up with evidence.	Statements regarding the role and importance of research are mostly backed up with evidence.	Statements regarding the role and importance of research are somewhat backed up with evidence.	Statements regarding the role and importance of research are not backed up with evidence.
Learning Outcome D Critically analyzes various forms of research and writing.Assessment Criteria Demonstrates the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate. Presents evidence of ability to critical read, analyze, and synthesize information. Provides perspectives in a way that is sympathetic to the intentions of the sources. Collects data and information in a manner that provides a comprehensive picture of perspectives. Critically substantiates and contextualizes all major claims made. Recognizes and assesses intended use and end user of information, and the impacts that these have on the analytical and decision-making process.	All forms of research and writing explored in the paper are critically analyzed.	Forms of research and writing explored in the paper are mostly critically analyzed.	Forms of research and writing explored in the paper are somewhat critically analyzed.	Forms of research and writing explored in the paper are not critically analyzed.