The Individual Investigation
Writing the introduction
The criteria for a good introduction: “Plan how
they will approach, carry out and complete their
investigation”
•
•
•
An appropriate and sustainable topic and title is chosen, including
reference to a local/Wales perspective and at least one other
country or region e.g a suitable hypothesis or key question.
There must be an effective link between the topic and the title.
There must be a balanced and very effective focus.
Example 1 : the aims of the regeneration
schemes in Cardiff and Melbourne
“Urban regeneration is often controversial
in that typically, the deconstruction of
businesses and the relocation of people
caused major uproar around the 20th
century. Back then, they wanted to make
way for new roads and developments. This
has occurred particularly when the areas
have been prone to industrial decline such
as the coal industry from the docks.
Throughout my investigation, I am going to
explore the development and economic
boom in both Cardiff Bay and Melbourne,
Australia. I have chosen this topic because
I am interested in architecture and urban
redevelopment, and hope to study these in
university.”
Example 2 : people’s perceptions of crime in
Nottingham and Cardiff and how they compare
to real data
“Crime is a serious issue in any country, with
resources and lives taken up with prevention
and the aftermath and everything in between.
This investigation deals with crime primarily in
Nottingham and Cardiff, comparing and
contrasting the types.
I decided to compare these two areas in
particular because of the criminal reputation
that Nottingham has in both the media and my
local community. I decided to look at a major
Welsh city in order to look at how the crime
rates compare, and to give perspective on the
often exaggerated crime rates in
Nottingham.”
So you
need to…
•Start with
a general
statement
to
introduce
your topic
and
question
•Explain
why you
decided to
choose this
topic and
question
Good phrases to use
• I have decided to choose this topic because…..
• I have chosen to explore this hypothesis as I
am very interested in….
• I decide to compare and
contrast……because………
• ……….is a topic I am very passionate about and
I wish to pursue a career in this field……
• I am planning to study this area in university
and felt it would deepen and further my
knowledge…..
The criteria for a good introduction: “Plan how
The
criteria
for
a
good
they will approach, carry out and complete their
introduction
investigation”
• There is a well managed and sustainable action plan
• Targets and deadlines are effectively managed e.g. prioritised
and used flexibly
Example 2:
“I intend to collect data from websites linked to the police
services in the two areas which demonstrate the prevalence
and type of crime. This will be the secondary information
that I will use within my analysis. I will use the statistics
such as the rate for each crime per month to firstly analyse
Nottingham and Cardiff in turn, and then compare. To make
the comparison process easier, I will summarise the major
figures in chart form, such as pie chart.
Furthermore, I will conduct a survey to obtain primary data
which will support my investigation and hypotheses. I will
survey pupils in the school as to their perception of crime in
the two areas mentioned, and present the findings in table/
graphical format. I will then analyse each in turn and
conclude, linking to my hypotheses at the end.”
So you need to…
•Explain how, where and why you
are going to select and find your
secondary data and sources
•Explain how, where and why you
are going to collect your primary
data and sources
•Spell out how you are going to
analyse your sources and present
them, and why
•Attach the planning template
provided, or one devised by
yourself, showing evidence of
targets and deadlines
management (evidence of tutor
feedback optional)
Use the key phrases in bold!