The Dissertation

Advanced Higher Modern Studies

Marks Allocation

 The dissertation is worth 45 Marks (the exam is worth 90)  How the 45 marks are allocated: – – 10 marks for introductory sections 25 marks for analysis and synthesis (main body of dissertation) – 10 marks for conclusions that address the hypothesis.

Choosing a Hypothesis

     Select from the approved list It should be ‘slightly’ controversial It is a statement which is to be proved or disproved It encourages you to consider the other factors and weigh them up, e.g. “Bad parenting is the

main

cause of youth crime.” You must now examine bad parenting AND the other factors which cause youth crime and decide in order to ‘test’ your hypothesis.

Research questions

   These are designed to help you ‘test’ (i.e. prove or disprove) the hypothesis They break the research down into specific areas.

For the bad parenting hypothesis you might ask: – – – – What are the causes of youth crime?

To what extent is there a link between bad parenting and youth crime?

To what extent is there a link between drugs/alcohol and youth crime?

To what extent is there a link between educational attainment and youth crime?

The introduction – 10 Marks

 Crucial to ‘setting the scene’ – first impression  Clearly state the hypothesis and research questions explaining the connection between them (always relate your research back to the hypothesis)  Summarise your research methods

The Main Body – 25 marks

    3 – 4 main chapters (based on research questions) Analysis is indicated by words and phrases such as: – – – “it can, therefore be concluded…” “It is clearly not the case that….” “from this is can be concluded that…” Synthesis is when you draw from several different sources to arrive at a conclusion e.g. a statistical source and an academic paper or book It is recommended that you have sub-conclusions at the end of each chapter

How to get 25/25 for the main body

 An approach that is analytical and not descriptive  clear and coherent argument that is fully developed  supporting evidence that has been critically appraised and attributed  analysis/synthesis that provide clear links with hypothesis/research questions

Overall conclusion(s) – 10 marks

 Marks include for sub-conclusions as well as the main conclusion  The conclusions MUST be: – – based on the evidence collected Valid – Detailed – Relevant – Directly linked to the hypothesis

Research Methods

 Crucial to the dissertation  Be described in some depth  Their use must be justified  Not included in the word count if contained in an appendix