Rationale: 

The VCE Extended Investigation develops students’ understanding of what constitutes both a good research question and an ethical, robust, disciplined and rational approach to gathering, interpreting and evaluating evidence in order to answer such questions.

In this study, the student considers how research questions are developed and refined to enable the researcher to address the key issues proposed by the research within the limits that time and resources impose. Students conduct a review of relevant literature and develop research project management knowledge and skills and ways of effectively presenting and communicating research findings. Students are introduced to a broad range of research methods and explore their comparative suitability for the investigation of particular questions. The skills that students develop in this study are transferable to any higher education course or vocational education and training program.

Structure:   The structure is made up of Units 3 and 4 only.

Unit 3:    Designing an Extended Investigation

In this unit students develop skills in question construction and design, explore the nature and purpose of research, and identify a specific research question. Students use their Extended Investigation Journal to record the progressive refinement of a selected area of interest distilled into an individual research question. Underpinning the student’s preparatory work for their investigation is the development and application of critical thinking skills.  Students undertake initial research and document their progress in their Extended Investigation Journal.

Unit 4:    Presenting and Extended Investigation

This unit is comprised of two parts that together constitute the student’s completion of their Extended Investigation. The results of the Extended Investigation are presented in a final written report and in an oral presentation to a panel. The final written report is submitted and includes a student’s description of and reflection on the research method/s and findings and provides their response to the research question. Students present their investigation to a non-specialist panel and defend their findings, responding to questions and challenges from the panel.

Entry: 

There are no prerequisites for entry to Unit 3. Students must undertake Unit 3, prior to undertaking Unit 4.

ASSESSMENT:

Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 30%

Unit 3 Externally-assessed Critical Thinking Test: 10%

Unit 4 Externally-assessed Task: 60% (4000 word report and 20 minute oral defence)

THERE IS NO YEAR END WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Contact Time:

Lessons per week: 

5 periods

Subject duration: 

Year Long

Further information:

Head of Humanities:

Michelle Ladhams