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 THREE PHASES. The phases are part of the term mark worth
approximately 20% of the final mark. With this stated, if the students fail to hand in any phase of the
assignment on the assigned due dates (at the beginning of the class on that date), they will be subjected to the
school’s academic policy. 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 an academic consequence 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.
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. **As much Canadian context as possible.
5. Identify Limitations. List anything that might limit the process of your research. You must also explain
how you will attempt to minimize or avoid these constraints.
6. 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. An APA formatting
handout can be found on the Campion Assignment Guide found on the Library web page
**Phase One 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.
-3 sources used.
Information has
been
communicated
with some
effectiveness.
-4 sources used.
Information has
been considerable
effectiveness.
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
limited in
effectiveness.
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
moderately
effective.e
Ability to make
conclusions,
predictions and
connections was
effective.
Considerable
-5 sources used.
80-100%
Level 4
Thorough
Analysis and
interpretation
was strong.
Information has
been
communicated
with a great
degree of
effectiveness.
-More than 5
sources used.
Insightful
conclusions,
predictions,
and/or
connections
were made.
Related to the Study of the Family
Primary Research
Limitations
Comments:
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