Assessment one: Question one

Due Date: Friday 25th April 2025

Time: 16h30

Total Marks: 50

Research topic: "Explain the Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Family Dynamics, and Peer Influence on

Aggressive and Violent Criminal Behaviours on Young Adults in KwaZulu-Natal"

Using the topic above, you are required to write a research methodology section depicting the following

sub-sections:

1. Research approach (5 marks)

2. Research design (5 marks)

3. Sampling method and sampling type (10 marks)

4. Data collection method (5 marks)

5. Data analysis method (5 marks)

6. A copy of the data collection tool must be attached as an appendix. The data collection tool

should be designed in line with the research approach, sampling method and data analysis (10

marks)

Note to student’s: You are required to define, briefly explain and justify your selection of each of the
above-mentioned sub-sections.

Example; Qualitative research entails the exploration and understanding of a phenomenon “through in-

depth understanding of textual or visual data, emphasizing context, meaning, and subjective

experiences” (Denzin and Lincoln, 2018: 83). This research approach was selected as it allowed the

researcher to make use of interviews to allow for an in-depth understanding of the social factors that

influence aggressive and violent criminal behaviours in KwaZulu-Natal.

Layout:

 Type your assignment in 12-point font, Times New Roman font, 1.5-line spacing.

 Harvard intext referencing must be used.

 Your assignment should be a maximum of six pages (excluding the cover page, table of

contents page, appendix and reference list page).

(10 marks will be awarded for correct referencing and adhering to the assignment layout)
 Assignment marking criteria

Structure Guidelines Mark Structure Student Comments

Mark

Presentation Overall neatness and pride 5 marks

reflected in your submission.

The assignment must include

the cover sheet, table of
contents, and page numbers,
using the correct layout
information.

(You must attach a Turnitin

report of not more than 15%
similarity index)

Referencing Harvard Method is consistently 5 marks

and correctly used throughout
(intext referencing and
reference page).

Using as many sources as

necessary to substantiate your
arguments (Minimum of 8
references).

Using a good mix of books,

journals, web-based sources,
official docs (Acts, etc.).
Interpreting and explaining the
topic unambiguously 5 marks
Introduction
Indicate how you will approach
the topic.

Logic of Interpretation
The division into sections and
Body (Content) sub-section-sections 25 marks

Logic of divisions

Interpretation, analysis,
comprehension of the question
and related matters
 Logic of conclusions
Presentation of supporting
arguments

Substantive and substantial

referencing

Brief
Conclusion
Logical conclusion based on 5 marks
what you have written

[Paragraph]

Correct format, consistency

List of sources
Alphabetical
5 marks
List only sources actually used

Choose sources that are

relevant to your research topic.

Good “mix” of sources (books,

journals, web-based material
documents, interviews, etc.)
As many as possible – but
relevant.

[Minimum of 12 Source]

Note to students, the assessment is a formative exercise that requires you to critically reflect and
demonstrate your understanding of the content of the module. You may access academic books and
journals available electronically or in the library to do it. Please refrain from using sites such as Wikipedia;
instead, go to the University website (Library) and access Criminology e-journals. The details of your
librarian are available in your module outline. Research should always be current, thus avoid using
references older than ten years. The successful completion of this assignment will assist in preparing you
for your summative assessment and aid in your ability to think annalistically about research methodology.
Equipping you with the skills to begin critically engaging with scientific research within the discipline of
Criminology and Forensic studies.

Late Submission Penalty

The School of Applied Human Sciences has implemented a penalty for late submission of assignments. 5%
will be deducted per day (inclusive of weekends) for a maximum of 5 days, after which any assignment
submitted late will not be accepted. Extensions can be given by the Module Coordinator in advance of the
deadline, providing that supporting evidence is provided.

Coversheet
All assignments must be submitted together with a signed School of Applied Human Sciences coversheet.
Assignments will not be accepted without a signed coversheet. Coversheets are available on Moodle for
you to print out and sign.

Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct

You are advised to consult the UKZN Plagiarism Policies and Procedures document, as well as the Student
Rules for this academic year. Both have been uploaded onto the Moodle site for this module. According to
the UKZN Plagiarism Policies and Procedures, it is your responsibility to:
 Read, understand and comply with the University plagiarism policy and procedures;
 Familiarise yourself with the concept of plagiarism and observe the conventions of referencing and
academic writing made available through teaching and research processes;
 Learn and acquire the academic literacy required to prevent and avoid plagiarism;
 Request assistance from staff for any concerns about plagiarism in your writing;
 Ensure that you do not submit work that can be considered plagiarised;
 Attach the required signed declaration to each piece of work that is submitted for assessment
purposes;
 Ensure that ideas generated in group discussions are expressed in your own words;
 Utilise plagiarism identification software programmes prior to submitting your work for assessment
and
 Note that the utilisation of plagiarism software is compulsory for postgraduate students prior to
submission of their research projects/dissertation/thesis for examination.

The assignment coversheet includes the following declaration that you need to sign:
 I know that plagiarism is wrong and that the University of KwaZulu-Natal considers plagiarism a
form of Academic Misconduct (Rule 9.28 of the Rules for Students Handbook).
 I understand what plagiarism is, and I am aware of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Plagiarism
Policy and Procedures (Ref: CO/05/0412/09).
 I have used a recognised convention for referencing in this work (Harvard), as stipulated by the
Module Coordinator and/or Discipline.
 I declare that this submission is my own original work. Where another person’s work has been
used (either from a printed source, Internet or any other source), this has been specifically
acknowledged and referenced.
 I have checked this work to ensure that there are no instances of plagiarism contained within.
 I understand that disciplinary action may be taken against me if there is a belief that I used
someone else’s work without their permission and/or did not acknowledge the original source in my
work.

Turnitin
Students are required to submit their work to Turnitin prior to the deadline and to include a copy of their
Originality Report when submitting their work assignment. No assignment will be accepted or marked
with an originality score of over 15%.

The Turnitin class details will be sent one week prior to the due date.