About this document

This document is to be used as a self-study guide at home in your own time to complement
the learning that you are doing in class time. It is a requirement of your course that you
complete the activities in this guide, and you need to take your notes / completed activities
to class.
If you are unsure about anything, talk to your trainer / assessor.

Self-Study Guide

Unit code and title BSBINS603 Initiate and lead applied research work

Instructions You are to complete each of the self-study tasks below. Each activity
is a mandatory part of your study. After completing each of the
tasks, tick the box below to show that you have completed the
activity.
Complete the work into a Word document and then save your work
for submission to your trainer and assessor or for discussion during
class time.

Topic 1: APPLIED RESEARCH PURPOSE, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Type of Task Expected Complet

activity time e

Reading 2.5 Hour 

1.1 Clarify and confirm applied research purpose and
needs of the target group
Website title: Applied Research
Website link:
https://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/research-types/applied-research/
Website title: Chapter 5 - Assessing target group
needs
Website link:
http://www.fao.org/3/w5830e/w5830e07.htm

Q1. What are the differences between Applied

Research and Fundamental (Basic) Research?

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 1 of 10

 Q2. Give at least 3 examples of Applied Research
Q3. Write the advantages and disadvantages of
Applied Research.
Q4. Explain the needs assessment techniques and
the procedures.

Reading 2.5 Hour 

1.2 Determine policies and procedures in relation to
conducting applied research
Website title: Australian Code for the Responsible
Conduct of Research
Website Link:
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/document
s/attachments/grant%20documents/The-australian-
code-for-the-responsible-conduct-of-research-2018.pdf
Q1. Explain the principles of responsible research
conduct.

Topic 2: DATA COLLECTION MECHANISM AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF DATA

Type Task Expect Comple

of ed ted
activi time
ty

Readi 2.5 
2.1 Establish mechanisms for collecting and maintaining data
ng in a systematic manner Hour

Website Title: Responsible conduct in data management

Website link:
https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/n_illinois_u/datamana
gement/dctopic.html

Q1. Why is it important to ensure accurate and appropriate

data is being collected?

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 2 of 10

 Q2. What are the issues related to maintaining integrity of data
collection?

Readi 2.5 
2.2 Analysing qualitative data
ng Hour

Website title: Analysing Qualitative Data

Website link:
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/analysing-
qualitative-data.html

Q.1 Explain the systems for analysis of qualitative data

Topic 3: RESEARCH ETHICS, CODE OF CONDUCT, STRATEGIES AND

HYPOTHESIS

Type Task Expect Comple

of ed ted
activi time
ty

Readi 1 Hour 
3.1 Analyse factors affecting the reliability and validity of
ng data
Website title: Research and ethics
Website link: https://researchethics.ca/what-is-research-
ethics/

Website title: VALIDITY

Website link:
Http://linguistics.byu.edu/faculty/henrichsenl/
researchmethods/RM_2_18.html

Q.1 What is research ethics?

Q2. What is internal and external validity>

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 Readi 3.2 Prepare applied research strategy and hypothesis 2 Hour
ng h Website title: Applied Research Hypothesis
Website link:
http://griresearch.blogspot.com/2011/02/hypothesis.htm
l

Website title: Applied Research Design

Website link:
https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
binaries/23770_Ch1.pdf

Q.1 Explain the types of hypothesis.

Readi 3.3 FRAME A RESEARCH STRATEGY IN CONSIDERATION OF 2 Hour

ng AVAILABLE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

Website title: Framing Research

Website link:
Https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
binaries/12702_02_Fox_Ch_01.pdf

Phase #2: Clearly Define Your Research Strategy

Website link: https://www.mackenziecorp.com/phase-2-
clearly-define-research-strategy/

Q1. Explain the several approaches to conducting applied

social research, including experimental studies.
Q2. Define a clear research strategy.

Topic 4: APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS, THEORIES AND DATA COLLECTION

TECHNIQUES

Type Task Expec Comple

of ted ted
activi time
ty

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 Readi 4.1 Review and evaluate a range of applied research methods, 2.5 
ng h theories and data collection techniques Hour
Website title: Data Collection Techniques
Website link:
Https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a1ed/
9ae7e3d4d9998e24cf18b284b0e2ab70b555.pdf
Website title: Research Methodology
Website link:
http://www.modares.ac.ir/uploads/Agr.Oth.Lib.17.pdf
Q1. Evaluate data collection techniques.

Readi 4.2 SELECT APPROPRIATE METHODS TO GATHER AND 2.5 

ng h Hour
ANALYSE DATA
Website title: Section 5. Collecting and Analysing Data
Website link:
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluate-
community-interventions/collect-analyze-data/main
Q1. How do you collect and analyse data?

Topic 5: DATA COLLECTION TECHNOLOGIES, SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND

TOOL USED

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Readin 5.1 USE SUITABLE TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY 1.5 hour 

g SERVICES TO SUPPORT DATA COLLECTION AND
ANALYSIS
Website title: Tools to Collect and Analyse Field Data
Website link:
https://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-
tos/tools-to-collect-and-analyze-field-data
Website title: Overview of Qualitative and Quantitative
Data Collection Methods
Website link: https://www.cleverism.com/qualitative-

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 5 of 10

 and-quantitative-data-collection-methods/
Q1. Keeping technology in your mind, evaluate the
tools (applications) you can use to collect and analyse
research data.
Q2. Explain the qualitative and quantitative data
collection methods.

Readin 5.2 ACCESS APPROPRIATE SOURCES OF 2 Hour 

gh
INFORMATION AND CONTRIBUTORS RELEVANT TO
THE RESEARCH
Website title: Sources of Information

Website Link:
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/sources-
info.html

Q1. Describe sources of information.

Readin 5.3 Optimise relevance of the research through 1.5 Hour 

g integrity of the data collected and analysis tools used
Website title: Research Integrity
Website link:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-
6736(13)60759-X/fulltext

Q1. Discuss research integrity (1000 words)

Topic 6: THE IMPACT OF RESEARCH FINDINGS IN LEARNING STRATEGIES

AND COMPLIANCE

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Readin 6.1 EVALUATE HOW RESEARCH FINDINGS SUCH AS 2.5 Hour 

g TRENDS AND CHANGES WILL IMPACT ON LEARNING
STRATEGY
Website title: Effects and impact of research
Website link: http://www.aka.fi/en/research-and-

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 6 of 10

 science-policy/effects-and-impact-of-research/
Q1. Discuss the impact and effects of research projects
(1000 words)

Readin 6.2 REVIEW DATA AND RESEARCH FINDINGS FOR 2.5 Hour 
gh ACCURACY OF DETAILS AND ADHERENCE TO ANY
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Website title: Evaluating Information: Validity,
Reliability, Accuracy, Triangulation
Website link:
https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
binaries/17810_5052_Pierce_Ch07.pdf

Q1. Demonstrate your understanding on the

distinction between primary and secondary sources of
information.

Topic 7: DATA RELEVANCE, DOCUMENTATION AND PRESENTATION FOR

TARGET AUDIENCE

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Reading 7.1 COLLATE AND ANALYSE DATA FOR RELEVANCE 2 Hour 

AGAINST THE ORIGINAL APPLIED RESEARCH
STRATEGY
Website title: Data collection and analysis
Website link:
https://i.unisa.edu.au/students/research-students/co
ntinuing-students/data-collection-and-analysis/
Website title: Generating and analysing data for
applied research on emerging technologies: a
grounded action learning approach
Website link:
http://informationr.net/ir/9-4/paper195.html

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 Q1. How data should be presented?

Reading 7.2 Document and present research findings in a clear 2 Hour 

h and logical manner consistent with audience needs
Website title: HOW TO PRESENT RESEARCH FINDINGS
Website link:
https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
binaries/83270_Chapter_14.pdf
Website title: Presenting your findings
Website link: https://yerp.yacvic.org.au/build-
evidence/for-young-people/presenting-your-findings

Q1. Discuss the alignment of literature, hypotheses,

methodology and findings

Reading 7.3 IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR AND AN APPROPRIATE 1 Hour 

APPROACH TO, FURTHER RESEARCH
Website title: Conclusions and Implications
Website link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=NK3VDvQOeuI

Q1. Define the need for further research.

Topic 8: PRACTICAL APPLICATION 1

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Research 8.1 Conduct your own research to answer the following 4 Hour 
questions:

 How can applied research lead continuous

improvement?
 What are continuous improvement methodologies?

How does applied research relate to continuous

improvement?

Reflect Reflect on the following: 1 Hour 

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 8 of 10

  Information learned in class this week
 Areas you find enjoyable
 Areas you find challenging (must be at least one
challenge)
 For at least one challenge identify a resource (reading
or video) to help you to overcome the challenge
 Discuss your main learnings from the resource and
how it has benefited you / helped you to overcome that
challenge
 The assessments that you need to complete for this
unit. Start thinking about how you will prepare for this
and the time management skills needed. Complete
planning as necessary.

Topic 9: Practical Application 2

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Practical Assign the appropriate data collection method to the 4 Hour 

research topic. Using the research topics below, explain
which data collection method you would use and why:

 Investigating factors that improve workers’ productivity.

 Ways to market products to Generation Z.
 What types of anti-smoking campaigns can reduce
smoking amongst adults?
 How does social media change a person’s perception of
society and themselves?
 Is genetically modified food having a detrimental effect
on health?

Studying ways of improving levels of customer retention.

Reading Reflect on the following: 1 Hour 

h  Information learned in class this week
 Areas you find enjoyable
 Areas you find challenging (must be at least one
challenge)
 For at least one challenge identify a resource (reading
or video) to help you to overcome the challenge
 Discuss your main learnings from the resource and how
it has benefited you / helped you to overcome that
challenge
 The assessments that you need to complete for this
unit. Start thinking about how you will prepare for this

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 9 of 10

 and the time management skills needed. Complete
planning as necessary.

Topic 10: Practical Application & Reflection

Type of Task Expected Completed

activity time

Practical Research and analyse an example of applied research on 3 Hour 

a topic you find interesting. Explain how this strategy can
be used in the workplace. Take notes to share in class.

Reflection Reflect on the following: 2 Hour 

 Information learned during your training
 Your main key “takeaways” from this unit
 What did you learn that you didn’t know already? How
can you apply this in your study/work/life?

What did you find challenging or confronting? How did

you overcome these challenges or barriers?

ECA College RTO 45012 v21.0 Page 10 of 10