HHS 4U – Families in Canada
One of the main course expectations for the Gr. 12 Families in Canada course is understanding
and conducting social science research. As a result, the independent study unit for the course requires that
the students conduct a social science research report.
This assignment is divided into phases. The phases are part of the term mark worth
approximately 10% of the final mark. With this stated, if the students fail to hand in any phases of the
assignment on the assigned due dates (at the beginning of the class on that date), they will receive a mark of
zero for that phase. In order to proceed to the next phase, the students must submit the previous phase
(even if they received a mark of zero).
Student: _____________________________. I have read and understand the terms and conditions of this
cumulative assignment and I support the teacher's decision to assign a mark of zero if I fail to hand in the
any of the phases of my independent study unit on the assigned due dates.
HHS 4U: Phase One
Phase One: Research Question, Hypothesis, Primary Research
Due:
1. Choose a topic. This can be your own topic or one from the list. One topic per person – first come first
served. Must be teacher approved.
2. Develop a research question. The research question is the focus of your report. All research should
relate back to this question. Ultimately, this is the question you want answered by the end of your
report. You must include a question that incorporates a cause and effect relationship – dependent and
independent variable.
3. Hypothesis. Your predicted answer to your research question (hypothesis). You need to present a
focused statement based on your own belief and your understanding of existing literature on your
topic. Explain the purpose or justification of your research.
4. Relate your Topic to the Study of the Family. State the overall importance of your question to the
study of the family.
5. Primary Research. Explain the methods of research that you might use in your study. Be clear in your
areas of focus. Examples might include: Surveys, interviews, experiments, observation, etc.
6. Identify Limitations. List anything that might limit the process of your research. Limitations might be
based on money, limited sample groups, confidentiality, etc. You must also explain how you will
attempt to minimize or avoid these constraints.
7. List Sources of Research. You must include a properly formatted works cited page using APA style that
indicates the sources of your research. You should include a minimum of 3 sources here. An APA
formatting handout can be found on the Campion Assignment Guide found on the Library web page
**Phase One of the ISU should be approximately 300-400 words in length. Use the subtitles provided. It
must be typed, include a title page, and a proper reference page. **
Criteria/Levels
Knowledge/Understanding - Content
(What you know)
 Topic
 Research Question
 Cause and Effect - Variables
Thinking and Inquiry – Process (How you know it)
 Hypothesis
Communication – Writing/Organization
(How you express what you know)
 Spelling/Grammar
 Language
 Completion
 Credibility and Number of Sources
 Works Cited
Application – Final Product/Making Connections and
Conclusions (How you use what you know)



50-59%
Level 1
Limited
60-69%
Level 2
Some
70-79%
Level 3
Answers showed
limited
understanding of
facts, terms and
concepts
Answers
showed some
understanding
of facts, terms
and concepts
Answers showed
considerable
understanding of
facts terms and
concepts
Answers
showed
thorough
understanding
of facts terms
and concepts
Problem-solving
skills were applied
with limited
effectiveness
Solving skills
were applied
with limited
effectiveness
Problem-solving
skills were applied
with considerable
effectiveness
Problem solving
skills were
applied with
high degree of
effectiveness
Analysis and
interpretation was
weak
Analysis and
interpretation
was satisfactory
Analysis and
interpretation was
effective
Information has
been
communicated
with limited
effectiveness
Information has
been
communicated
with some
effectiveness
Information has
been considerable
effectiveness
Information has
been
communicated
with a great
degree of
effectiveness
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
limited in
effectiveness
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
moderately
effective
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
effective
Insightful
conclusions,
predictions,
and/or
connections
were made
Considerable
80-100%
Level 4
Thorough
Analysis and
interpretation
was strong
Related to the Study of the Family
Primary Research
Limitations
Comments:
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SUGGESTED TOPICS
1. Juvenile Delinquency
2. Alcoholism and its Repercussion on the Family
3. Television Families: Myth vs. Reality
4. Daycare: Choices - What is best for the child?
5. Capital Punishment
6. Impact of Divorce in the Family
7. The Superwoman Syndrome: Can you have it all?
8. Effects of Television Violence
9. Drinking and Driving
10.A Generational Examination: Hippies, Baby Boomers, Generation X
11.The Ethics of Dying: Euthanasia
12.Education: Is it doing its job?
13.Families and Bereavement
14.Mixed Marriages: Inter-racial/Inter-faith
15.Mate Selection: Arranged vs. Free Choice Marriage
16.The Women’s Movement: 1920-1960 and Beyond
17..Men’s Movement: Iron John
18.Gangs and Guns in Society
19..Homelessness and Families in Canada
20..Date Rape
21.Gender Roles and Stereotyping
22.Birth Order: Does it make a difference?
23.The Role of Religion in Today’s Society
24.Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Is it right?
25.Alternatives to Traditional Marriage: Is it a lost institution?
26.Homosexuality: Nature vs. Nurture
27.Sexual Revolution
28.Menopause: The Silent Passage
29.Elderly Abuse
30.The Welfare Cycle
31.Traditional Marriage
32.Online Dating
33. Adapting to Canadian Culture