An annotated bibliography is a list of reference materials that includes a summary of the main ideas presented in each reference and evaluates how useful the reference is for your purposes. Each entry is comprised of basic bibliographical information presented in a standard referencing style (e.g. Harvard, APA) followed by a brief note or "annotation". The annotation usually provides a summary of key points and an evaluation or critique of the ideas discussed in the reference. In addition, you should state how it relates to your proposed research topic.
Annotated bibliographies can vary in style depending on the purpose and the referencing style used. They are usually arranged in alphabetical order by author.
You were required to chose a (preliminary) research topic by the end of Week 2 in consultation with your research supervisor(s). Prepare an annotated bibliography of 10-15 high quality journal articles, conference papers and/or books closely related to your proposed research topic. Use the standard referencing style for your research discipline area as advised by your research supervisor(s).
The full assessment specification is available on the Moodle unit website.

The annotations must not simply be a review of the content. You need to demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate and analyse the literature and explain how it is relevant to your proposed research topic. It would be expected that the literature discovered in this assignment would also be relevant to assessment items 3 and 4 in this unit.

Overview of the assessment criteria:

• introduction linking annotated bibliography to the proposed research project;
• clear, concise summary of each reference;
• evaluation of author(s)' credentials;
• linking the annotations to your proposed research topic;
• critical analysis of the references;
• use of an appropriate referencing style;
• correct spelling and grammar.

The full description of the assessment details and assessment criteria are available on the Moodle unit website.
It will be assessed as Pass or Fail.

This assessment item requires you to build on the research foundations, research processes, research methods and practices that you have explored in this unit. It is expected that by this time you will have a clearly defined research project in consultation with your research supervisor(s). Guided by theory and your examination of the research methodologies used by authors in the references you have analysed, you should be able to formulate a research design for your proposed research project.
This assessment item requires you to describe the overall research strategy that you will employ to integrate the various components of your proposed research project in a logical and coherent manner. The research design must ensure that
you will effectively address the research problem you have identified. It must include an outline of the research questions and/or hypotheses you propose to answer and the research methodology, research methods and techniques
you intend to use to collect and analyse data. You should identify one or two research questions and/or hypotheses, and two or three research methods/techniques that you intend to utilise to collect and analyse data for your proposed
research project. Note that hypotheses are not always required, if they are it is usually for Quantitative research.
Some references annotated in Assessment item 2 may be further analysed in terms of the research design, methodology and methods/techniques that were utilised to collect and analyse data. This not only helps you to select the most
appropriate research design for your proposed research project, it also allows you to track the research frontier in a specific area of research.

Overview of the assessment criteria:

• clear description of your proposed research project, aims and objectives;
• appropriateness of your research questions and/or hypotheses;
• linkage between the proposed research topic and the research design, methodology and methods;
• analysis of research methods/techniques;
• rationale for your research design;
• justification of the suitability of the methods/techniques to the proposed research project;
• conclusion accurately sums up your research design;
• use of an appropriate referencing style;
• academic writing style suitable to a RHD thesis;
• correct spelling and grammar.

The full descriptions of the assessment details and assessment criteria are available on the Moodle unit website.
It will be assessed as Pass or Fail.

This assessment item requires you to complete the equivalent of Confirmation of Candidature (Section A) for your proposed research project. You should draw upon work undertaken in Assessment items 2 and 3 to assist in writing this assessment item. The Confirmation of Candidature (Section A) assessment aligns with the requirements for the Confirmation of Candidature submission as per CQUniversity's Confirmation of Candidature Procedure. The level of detail required in the Confirmation of Candidature (Section A) assessment will depend on both the nature and level of the research project you are undertaking (ie, Masters by Research, Doctor Professional Studies, Doctor of Education or Doctor of Philosophy) and other specific requirements required by your research supervisor(s) and the University's policies.
The Confirmation of Candidature (Section A) assessment should be approximately 5,000 words and contain:

• A Thesis Title, of no more than 25 words, which should be descriptive and unambiguous;
• A Thesis Abstract of no more than 250 words;
• A Table of Contents;
• An Introduction;
• A statement describing the Aims, Objectives and Research Questions and/or Hypotheses;
• A Review of Literature, which should be conducted within an appropriate analytical framework to provide new knowledge (for example, a systematic, integrative or meta-analysis review), rather than a descriptive summary;
• A statement of the candidate’s proposed contribution to the field of research (appropriate to the degree being sought);
• A description of the project methodology, methods and/or research design;
• A thesis plan (chapter outline and identification of prospective publications arising);
• Conclusion; and
• References.

You are encouraged to frequently discuss issues encountered during the development of your Confirmation of Candidature (Section A) with your research supervisor(s). You should also consult University policies and procedures
regarding the requirements for the degree in which you are enrolled.

Overview of assessment criteria:

• abstract accurately summarises the proposed research project;
• table of contents contains the main headings and sub-headings;
• introduction clearly introduces the proposed research project;
• realistic aims and objectives linking to your anticipated outcomes;
• research questions and/or hypotheses that address the research problem;
• critical analysis of the literature;
• accurate statement of proposed contribution to the field of research;
• research design is clearly articulated and justified;
• appropriateness of the research design/methodology, methods;
• realistic thesis plan;
• conclusion summarises the main points;
• use of an appropriate referencing style;
• correct formatting and layout (including Title Page and electronically generated Table of Contents);
• academic style, correct spelling and grammar.

The full description of the assessment details and assessment criteria are available on the Moodle unit website.
It will be assessed as Pass or Fail.