It’s a 5800 words literature review
1
ECON7030 Final Research Report Marking Rubric_2020S1
Criteria FA: 40-49%
An unsatisfactory attempt
PA:50%-64%
A satisfactory attempt
CR:65%-74%
A sound attempt
DI:75%-84%
Work of a superior quality
HD:85% and above
Work of an outstanding quality
GRADE
(Total:
100)
A. Introduction
I. Problem &
Context/motivation
II. Research
question/Objective/Hy
pothesis
III. Significance (why the
research is important)
IV. Contribution (What
does the study add to
the subject area
compared with other
studies in this field?)
I. Fails to accurately
identify a problem,
the
purpose of
research and explain
any empirical or
theoretical context
relevant to the
problem. Motivation
is not stated.
II. Research questions
lack of
clarity
and
precision. Have little
or no connection to
the
context.
III. Fails to indicate
significance of the
research
.
IV. Contribution of the
research not
stated.
I. Identifies the
problem and
purpose of
research. Limited
description and
understanding of
the
empirical and
theoretical
contexts relevant
to the problem.
Motivation is
stated but is
unlcear.
II. Rudimentary
attempt at
formulation of
research question/s
which may lack
clarity and
precision. Vaguely
linked to context.
III. Significance is not
discussed
IV. Contribution of the
research is stated
but is unclear.
I. Identifies the
problem and
purpose of
research
accurately.
Describes the
context clearly.
Demonstrates
general
understanding of
the empirical and
theoretical
contexts relevant
to the problem.
Motivation is
stated with some
clarity.
II. Generally
appropriate, clear
and concise
framing of the
research questions
which are
somewhat linked
to the context.
III. Significance is
mentioned.
IV. Contribution is
mentioned.
I. Identifies the
problem and
purpose of
research
accurately.
Thoroughly
describes the
empirical and
theoretical
contexts
relevant to the
problem.
Motivation is
clearly stated.
II. Highly
appropriate,
precise and
concise framing of
the research
questions which
are clearly linked
to the context.
III. Significance is
clearly and
concisely stated
IV. Clear and concise
statement on
contribution
I. Identifies the
problem and purpose
of research
accurately.
Thoroughly describes
empirical and
theoretical contexts
relevant to the
research problem and
establishes/ finds
connection with
alternative contexts.
Motivation is clearly
stated.
II. Exceptionally
appropriate, clear
and concise framing
of the research
problem and
questions, which are
clearly linked to the
context.
III. Significance of the
issue is insightfully
discussed.
IV. Clear, concise and
appropriate
statement on
contribution
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2
B. Literature Review
The literature review is
unstructured and haphazard.
Incomplete and fails to provide
depth and
scope of the existing
literature.
Provides only a summary and
fails to
synthesise and critically
interpret the available
literature.
Relevance of published studies
to each other is not
established.
Relevance of published studies
to the current topic is not
established.
The gaps in current
understanding or conflicts in
current knowledge are not
identified.
The literature search is not
transitioning to justify further
research.
The literature review is
organized. Limited attempt
to provide depth and scope
of the existing literature.
Provides mostly a summary.
Limited attempt to
synthesize and critically
interpret the available
literature.
Relevance of published
studies to each other is
somewhat established.
Relevance of published
studies to the current topic is
somewhat established.
The gaps in current
understanding or conflicts in
current knowledge are
vaguely identified.
The literature search makes a
limited attempt to transition
to justify further
research.
The literature review is well
organized. Sound attempt to
provide depth and scope of
the existing literature.
Related literature is credibly
summarized. Sound attempt
to synthesize and provide a
critical interpretation of the
available literature.
Relevance of published
studies to each other is
established. Relevance of
published studies to the
current topic is established.
The gaps in current
understanding or conflicts in
current knowledge are
identified.
The literature search makes
sound attempt to transition
to justify further research.
Literature review is well
organized. The depth and
scope of the existing
literature is adequately
represented.
An
excellent attempt to
synthesise and critically
interpret the available
literature.
Relevance of published
studies to each other; as
well as to the current topic is
logically established.
The gaps in current
understanding or conflicts in
current knowledge are
clearly highlighted, and
directions and approaches
that fill these gaps are
identified.
The literature search is an
excellent attempt to
transitions logically and
sequentially to justify further
research.
Literature review is well
organized, comprehensive and
extensive. The depth and scope
of the existing literature is
adequately represented.
An
outstanding attempt to
synthesise and critically
interpret the available
literature. New ideas are
raised.
Relevance of published studies
to each other; as well as to the
current topic is insightfully &
logically established.
The gaps in current
understanding or conflicts in
current knowledge are clearly
highlighted, and significant
directions and approaches that
fill these gaps are identified.
The literature search is an
outstanding attempt to
transition logically and
sequentially to expose the gap
in the literature and justify
further research; and is able to
add additional insight into the
literature.
15
C. Method
A well-developed empirical
approach or a theoretical
modelling strategy that can
informatively address the
Selected methodology does not
satisfactorily answer the
identified research
question/support the research
objective.
Methodology goes some way
towards addressing the
identified
research question/
supporting the research
objective.
Sound methodology for
answering the identified
research question/
supporting the research
objective.
Excellent methodology for
answering the identified
research question/
supporting the research
objective.
Outstanding methodology for
addressing the identified
research question/supporting
the research objective, clearly
20
3
question or problem is
required.
For empirical researcha,
clearly describe data and
method (empirical model).
For review-based researchb,
methodology will be
analogous to an accurate
description of how the
relevant literature was
selected (which database,
which search terms, which
inclusion/exclusion criteria)
and the structure of the
review –how the review was
analyzed and summarized,
what are the different
sections).
For review-based researchb,
data will be analogous to the
readings that you have
identified for your review.
a for empirical research:
data is not appropriate to
answer the research question.
No justification is provided for
choice of data set. Data sources
not mentioned. No description
of data and how it is processed
to
answer the key research
question (s). Data processing is
in
accurate.
a for, empirical research:
identified statistical/
econometric techniques are
inaccurate and not relevant for
answering the research
question(s). No justification on
the choice of selected
techniques.
bfor literature review-based
research: the method of
literature search is either not
stated or is not clear.
aData is well chosen /
appropriate to the research
question. Data sources are
clearly mentioned. Limited
description of data and
characterization as to how it
is processed to answer the
key research question
(s).
Data processing is more or
less
accurate with some
errors.
aidentified statistical/
econometric techniques have
limited relevance in
answering the research
question(s). Limited
justification on the choice of
selected techniques.
b Limited description of the
method of literature search.
bData is well chosen/
appropriate to the research
question. Data sources are
clearly described.
Inadequate description of
data and characterization as
to how it is processed to
answer the key research
question (s). Data processing
has minor
errors.
bidentified statistical/
econometric techniques have
some relevance in answering
the
research
question(s).
Satisfactory justification on
the choice of selected
techniques.
b Sound description of the
method of literature search.
aData is well chosen/
appropriate to the research
question or problem. Data
sources are clearly
described. Precise and
accurate description of data
and how it is processed to
answer the key research
question (s). Data processing
is
accurate.
aidentified statistical/
econometric techniques are
accurate and have clear
relevance in answering the
research question(s).
Adeqaute justification on
the choice of selected
techniques.
bAdequate description of the
method of literature search.
demonstrating elements of
innovation.
aData is well chosen/
appropriate to the research
question or problem. Quality of
data is excellent. Data sources
are clearly described. Precise
and accurate description of
data and how it is processed to
answer the key research
question (s). Data processing is
accurate.
aappropriate, accurate and
novel application of the
statistical and econometric
technique to be used. Excellent
(and insightful) justification on
the choice of selected
techniques.
bExtensive discussion on the
method of literature search.
D. Findings
Focus on clear, accurate and
scientific reporting of results,
followed by insightful
discussion of findings
(relevant for both review-
based research as well as
empirical research).
Results are not clearly stated,
level of detail is insufficient.
Inaccurate/unscientific
reporting of results.
Consistent/contradictory
findings that disagree with the
conclusions.
Results are stated but not as
clearly, level of detail is
inadequate.
Reporting of results is
scientific with some errors.
Findings broadly agree with
the conclusions with some
inconsistencies
Results are clearly stated but
the level of detail is limited.
Reporting of results is
scientific with
minor errors.
Findings agree with the
conclusions with minor
inconsistencies.
.
Results are clearly stated
and are they are well-
organized.
Reporting is accurate and
scientific.
Findings clearly align with
the conclusions.
Results are clearly stated in a
comprehensive level of detail
and are extremely well-
organized.
Reporting is scientific and
accurate.
Findings integrate superbly
with the conclusions
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4
Tables/figures are not
clear/concise in conveying the
key
findings.
Interpretations/analysis of
findings are inaccurate and fail
to address how the findings
supported, refuted, and/or
informed the research question
(s).
Discussion of findings is not
grounded in relevant economic
theory.
No attempt at critical
interpretation of findings.
No attempt to compare and
contrast results with those from
similar studies in the literature.
The discussion fails to place the
findings in the context of the
broader literature.
Tables/figures are somewhat
clear/concise in conveying
the key findings.
Interpretations/analysis of
results have some errors; and
do not adequately address
how the results supported,
refuted, and/or informed the
research
question (s).
Limited attempt to ground
the discussion in relevant
economic theory.
Limited attempt to critically
interpret the
results.
Limited attempt to place the
results in context by
comparing and contrasting
results with findings from
similar studies in the
literature.
Tables/figures are
clear/concise in conveying
the key findings, with minor
errors.
Interpretations/analysis of
results have minor errors;
and satisfactorily address
how the results supported,
refuted, and/or informed the
research question (s).
A sound attempt to ground
the discussion in relevant
economic theory.
A sound attempt to provide
some critical interpretation.
Results are placed in context
by comparing and contrasting
results with findings from
similar studies in the
literature.
Tables/figures clearly and
concisely convey the key
findings.
Thorough and accurate
interpretations/analysis of
results that extensively
address how the results
supported, refuted, and/or
informed the research
question (s).
An excellent attempt to
ground the discussion in
relevant economic theory.
An excellent attempt at
critical interpretation of
findings.
Excellent attempt to situate
the results in the context of
the broader literature by
comparing and contrasting
results with findings from
similar studies in the
literature.
Tables/figures clearly and
concisely convey the key
findings.
Interpretations/analysis of
results are accurate, precise
and innovative; and insightfully
address how they supported
refuted, and/or informed the
research question(s).
An outstanding attempt to
integrate the discussion to
relevant economic theory.
Outstanding attempt at critical
interpretation of findings with
logical and theoretical
connections being established
to current research results, and
new connections indicated.
Findings are insightfully
compared and contrasted with
those from similar studies
demonstrating outstanding
attempt at integrating the
findings with the broader
literature.
E. Conclusion
• Highlight key
findings
• Limitations
• Policy
implications
Key findings are not
highlighted. A weak conclusion
which does not follow from the
key findings, or is linked to the
research questions stated in the
introduction.
Unclear conclusion with a
limited attempt to highlight
the key findings and link
them to the research
question(s).
Limited attempt to discuss
policy implications of the
results.
A clear conclusion
highlighting the key findings,
with a sound attempt to link
them to the research
question(s).
Sound attempt to discuss
policy implications of the
results.
A well-integrated conclusion
with an excellent attempt to
highlight the key findings,
clearly linking them to the
research question(s).
Adequately discusses
relevant and supported
A well-integrated, clear and
succinct conclusion highlighting
the key finding. The conclusion
is a logical extrapolation from
the inquiry findings.
Insightfully discusses in detail
relevant and supported policy
12
5
• Direction for
future research
States policy implications
which are irrelevant and
unsupported by the literature.
Limitations of the study are not
discussed.
Fails to provide directions for
future research
Inadequate discussion on
limitations of research.
Limited attempt to identify
directions for future
research.
Sound attempt to discuss
limitations of the research
Sound attempt to identify
directions for future
research.
policy implications and
limitations of research.
Directions for future
research logically flow from
the discussion.
implications and limitations of
research.
Provides logical and innovative
directions for future research.
F. Quality and
relevance of
scholarly sources of
evidence.
I. Ideas supported
by credible and
relevant sources
II. In-text citation
III. Referencing
(style).
I. The selected
references are
irrelevant, of poor
qualityc.
II. In-text citations are
missing, incomplete
or incorrect.
III. Accuracy and format
of the reference
questionable.
I. Referenced articles
are relevant but
are of poor quality.
II. In-text citations
have the correct
reference style but
may be incomplete
or have minor
errors.
III. Reference style and
format is mostly
accurate with some
inconsistencies.
I. Referenced articles
are relevant.
II. In-text citations use
the correct style
but are often
missing or have
minor errors.
III. Reference style and
format is correct,
with minor errors
and
inconsistencies.
I. Referenced articles
are appropriate,
relevant, are of
good quality and
are used to inform
and extend
scholarly
arguments.
II. In-text citations
are accurate.
III. Reference style
and format is
accurate.
I. Referenced articles
are high-quality
scholarly works that
are relevant and at
the same time
provoke new
thoughts on the
topic.
II. In-text citations are
accurate.
III. Reference style and
format is accurate.
10
G . Presentation (Structure
and clarity of academic
writing, coherence and
flow of arguments)
The research report is poorly
organized, with no coherence.
Writing language is not
scholarly. The writing is unclear,
with incorrect grammar,
punctuation, and poor spelling,
posing significant barrier to the
reader’s
comprehension.
The research report is
generally well organized,
with some inconsistencies. Is
not written in scholarly
language. The writing is clear,
with occasional errors in
grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. Written language
presents some barrier to the
reader’s comprehension.
The research report is well
organized, with minor
inconsistencies. Is mostly
written in scholarly language.
The writing is clear, with
minor errors in grammar,
punctuation, and spelling but
none that pose any
significant barrier to reader
comprehension.
The research report is
comprehensively organized.
Is written in scholarly
language. The writing is
clear, precise; with correct
grammar, punctuation, and
spelling.
The research report is
exceptionally well written and
comprehensive demonstrating
clarity, cohesion and
coherence. Is written in
scholarly language. The writing
is clear and precise with correct
grammar, punctuation, and
spelling
8
Note: a Literature review-based, b Empirical research, cjournals/readings do not adhere to the standard of economic journals mentioned in the instructions.
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This document provides you guidelines on how to proceed with your research report. Please note
that a key objective of the research project is for you to come up with the topic yourselves and be
able to justify why it is useful/important. I can help you refine the topic, but you need to take the
lead.
1 Types of research
You may undertake any of the following types of research:
1. Research based on literature review. Here the literature review constitutes an original
and valuable work of research in and of itself rather than providing a background for the
study. In undertaking a literature review-based research, you will answer your research
question providing a critical review of the literature and articulating the next logical stage
in the growing understanding of the topic. The review should critique and synthesize
representative literature on a topic in an integrated way such that new frameworks and
perspectives on the topic are generated (Torraco, 2005). When appropriately conducted,
review articles may represent powerful information sources for policymakers looking for
state-of-the art evidence to guide their decision-making.
2. Empirical research project. A well-developed empirical approach that can
informatively address the question or problem. Here, the research question is answered by
formulating a hypothesis and testing it using an appropriate dataset and relevant statistical
and econometric techniques (for example, linear or probit regression analysis).
3. Theoretical research project. A well-developed theoretical modelling strategy that can
informatively address the question or problem. Here, we need (i) a complete statement of
the structure of the model, (ii) justification of solution methods, and (3) solution of the
model.
4. You may also choose to write a ‘referee report of an existing academic article’ as a
possible fourth type. Here, the aim of the research report is to choose a top-ranked
academic economics journal article then discuss and critically analyse the paper in detail,
showing that you understand the following: a. the intuition underpinning its main results;
b. the limitations of the model. You will place the paper in context to the relevant
literature, i.e. explain the nature and significance of its contribution (you will have to read
other papers to do this). Finally, you will suggest extensions to the work undertaken in the
paper.
Note: You may choose to extend a project on which you are already working (at your workplace).
2 What is expected in the completed research report?
1. Innovation. Demonstration of insight and independence of thought or approach, whether in
terms of the question or problem posed, the methodology specified, or (for empirical
projects) the data to be analyzed.
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Structure. A visible, easy-to-follow structure consistent with the conventions of economics is
expected. We expect sections that typically occur in papers in the economics literature, such as Title,
Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Conclusion, and References1.
2. Title. Provide an informative, clear, concise title.
3. Abstract. An abstract is a concise summary of a research paper or entire thesis. It is placed at
the beginning of your paper, immediately following the title page. An abstract must be fully
self-contained and make sense by itself, without further reference to outside sources or to the
actual paper. It highlights key content areas, your research objective, the significance of your
work, and the key findings. This Melbourne University document may help.
Research Question/Objective or Problem. A well-defined research question or problem that
requires economic analysis and that is motivated (in terms of the economics literature and/or the
proposed methodology), feasible (in terms of the available data for empirical projects, and the
mathematical and computational methods for theoretical projects), and presented explicitly and early
in the document.
4. Literature Review. The situating of the question or problem in the literature—it is NOT an
attempt to exhaustively cite the literature or summarize the literature, but rather to identify
the gaps in knowledge that the study addresses and establish a link between the research
question/problem and the existing literature in economics. It may also provide a theoretical
foundation for the proposed study, corroborate the presence of the research problem, justify
the research as one that contributes something new to the cumulated knowledge, or validate
the methods and approaches for the proposed study ( Levy & Ellis, 2006).
5. Methodology. A well-developed empirical approach or a theoretical modelling strategy that
can informatively address the question or problem is required.
For review-based research it may imply: searching the literature while clearly articulating the
search strategy, and assessing the quality of primary studies, and/or extracting data, and/or analysing
data. Typology of literature review may be diverse (systematic review, scoping review and so on).
For the purpose of this unit, we will focus on critical review which aims to provide “a critical
evaluation and interpretive analysis of existing literature on a particular topic of interest to reveal
strengths, weaknesses, contradictions, controversies, inconsistencies, and/or other important issues
with respect to theories, hypotheses, research methods or results” (Pare et al., 2015, page 15).
For empirical projects, this implies (1) a clear statement of the hypothesis or hypotheses, (2) a
detailed characterization of the data set and why it was chosen, (3) the identification and
justification of the statistical and econometric technique used (for example, Linear or Probit
regression analysis), (4) careful and thorough implementation of the technique.
For theoretical projects, this implies (1) a complete statement of the structure of the model, (2)
justification of solution methods (for example, closed-form analytical or numerical solutions),
and (3) solution of the model.
1 You may also have an appendix at the end of the document to contain supplementary material that is not an essential
part of the text itself but which may be helpful in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem
or may provide information that is too cumbersome to be included in the body of the paper.
https://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/471274/Writing_an_Abstract_Update_051112
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Results and Discussion. An explicit statement of the new results emerging from the project and
their relevance to the broader economic literature. Think carefully, if the report includes tables or
figures, what do they add to the study? Do they aid understanding or are they superfluous?
Discussion should focus on (1) how the results relate to economic intuition; (2) on the findings
of related previous research.
On the whole, this section should tell a coherent story – What happened? What was discovered or
confirmed? Start by describing in simple terms what the data/findings show. Make reference to
statistical analyses, such as significance or goodness of fit (in empirical work). Explain the
significance of the results to wider understanding. This can only be done by referencing
published research.
Discussion should always, at some point, gather all the information together into a single whole.
If there are gaps or inconsistencies in the story, they should address these and suggest ways
future research might confirm the findings or take the research forward.
Conclusion. Summarize by concisely stating the context, research questions and key findings
(maybe one sentence on each). Indicate (1) policy implications of the findings (2) possible
limitations of the results, and (3) directions for further research.2
This section is usually brief. The conclusions should reflect upon the aims – whether they were
achieved or not – and, just like the aims, should not be surprising. The conclusions should be
consistent with the evidence and arguments presented? They should also address the main
question posed. Carefully avoid drawing a conclusion that is contradicted by the author’s own
statistical or qualitative evidence.
Style. Lucid, informative, readable sentences; well-defined key terms and concepts; appropriate
gauging of readers’ knowledge; presentation of sufficient context; clear and concise writing
(Lengthy discussions should be avoided). Write, accurately, simply, directly. In writing a
literature review, since part of their research effort is devoted to the criticism of existing
literature, avoid being overly critical of existing research and making personal aspersions.
Accurate and scientific reporting is important.
Source citations. The proper and consistent use of a citation style found in the economics
literature —for example, the APA style or the style used in the American Economic Review. Pay
attention to both in-text citation and bibliography at the end of the research document. Quality of
evidence is crucial. Therefore, pay attention to the sources which you are using to collate
evidence from the literature. Try to provide high quality scholarly sources as evidence.
Note: Relevant economic journals or working paper series
Below is a non-exhaustive list of excellent economic journals and working paper series in order
to help you with your literature search:
2 Sometimes 1, 2 and 3 are also included in Discussion.
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(Journal of Political Economy, Quarterly Journal of Economics, American Economic
Association journals (AER, AEJ), Economic Journal, Journal of Human Resources,
Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Development Economics, The Review of
Economics and Statistics, Journal of Public Economics, European Economic Review,
Labour Economics, Econometrica, NBER Working papers, IZA Working papers).
More comprehensive list of journals is available here (note this spreadsheet also has
journals from other disciplines). Check if your literature review is based on A and A*
journals.
Additional note on referencing.
• In text, use only author and year, but include a list at the end with the full references
(authors, year, title, journal, volume/issue, page numbers)
• Cite the journal version and not the discussion paper version of a paper, if the paper is
already published in a journal (might not be the case for very recent discussion papers).
• Look for economic sources. Two ideas are: Follow our guidelines (e.g. journal list
above), or look for references in articles you know or for papers who cite this article
themselves.
• Please do not simply copy statements/expressions from papers. If you need a specific
quote, mark it as such (direct quote is marked with “…” and reference incl. page numbers
should be given). But remember, the report should be you describing it in your own
words.
On the whole, focus on the following in writing the research report:
1. write in your own language, paraphrase appropriately
2. avoid plagiarism
2. demonstrate some evidence of critical reflection
3. maintain a logical flow of arguments – well-structured and coherent presentation. For example,
disconnected ideas cropping up from nowhere do not make sense – each section should naturally
flow and connect to one another.
4. avoid copy pasting tables/figures etc from the papers unless they are absolutely essential.
3 On the question of Originality
We focus on ‘simple originality’ ‘which may include reshaping material or considering information
in other ways. It is sufficient for the student to contribute only an incremental step in understanding
(Phillips & Pugh, 1994). Replication should only be done as one part of a “critical evaluation” of an
existing piece of research. For example, you can write a referee report on an academic journal article
and part of that process can be that you replicate the results. Refer to this Melbourne University
guide on the question of ‘originality’.
https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/files/9730011/download?wrap=1
https://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/471267/Developing_originality_Update_051112
https://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/471267/Developing_originality_Update_051112
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4 The process of social research: Research Questions (Wellington & Szczerbinski, 2007)
The starting point for a research project may be a question, or questions, that the researcher would
like to address.
A slightly less focused start might be an issue to be explored or, more ambitiously, a problem to be
solved. The research problem (very similar to research aim or question) identifies what the
researcher does not know and is interested in studying.
It may be presented in the interrogative (question) form (e.g. ‘what is the effect of wealth on
happiness?’), and then we get the research question.
A hypothesis, on the other hand, is the answer to the research question, which a researcher believes
to be true before he analyses his data. It must be stated in the affirmative form (e.g. ‘Happiness
impacts wealth’).
While it is possible (at least in principle) to carry out research without having specific hypotheses in
mind, there can be no research without an underlying purpose, problem or question.
Stating or formulating your purposes under one (or perhaps more) of these categories can help at all
stages of a research enquiry, especially at the outset, i.e:
• What question(s) are you asking/addressing?
• What hypothesis are you testing?
• What problem(s) are you trying to solve/alleviate?
Framing research questions should always be the first step in the research process. It should always
be a case of questions first, methods later. For example, it makes no sense to decide: ‘I am going to
use questionnaires/interviews/observations’ before clarifying the questions which you wish to
address or shed light upon.
As discussed in the slides (on Research Method) there may be what, which, where, how or why
questions. The former may imply a straightforward collection of information, perhaps a
descriptive approach. But the latter, i.e. the how and why questions which seek explanations will
demand more in-depth exploratory approaches.
5 A template
Based on the discussion in the previous sections, here is a possible template for your full research
report.
Note that, for the proposal you will only report Introduction, Literature Review, Proposed
Method and References (optional: Appendix).
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1. Introduction
The Topic: is the broad subject matter being addressed in a study. Introduced in the first paragraphs.
The Research Problem: an area of conflict, concern, or controversy, a gap. State the problem in the opening
paragraph (i.e., something that needs a solution). Identify an issue. Reference the problem using the
literature.
Significance: Why the research problem is important. For example, the proposed study is significant since it
addresses the sustainable development goals of zero hunger and eradication of poverty.
Background and Justification: The evidence and relevance from the literature and published or archival data
showing the problem exists. Include key references. You should also have a theoretical basis for the study.
Deficiencies in the Evidence: Include a brief discussion that details the area of need (in relation to the
problem) and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.
Research Aim/Objective/Purpose: Major intent or objective of the study. Create a sentence that begins with
“The purpose/objective of this study is . . .” Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the
study.
Research questions: can be quantitative (more closed. Often on probable cause/effect) or qualitative (more
open ended – descriptive /interpretive /process oriented) or a mix of both.
Contribution of the study. For example, the study addresses a specific gap in the literature and hence, adds
value to the scholarly literature on the subject.
Note: The dividing lines between research problem, research aim /purpose/objective and research questions
are thin. As you read more and more papers from top quality journals you will get the subtle differences. You
may also get confused between contribution and significance of the research. Again reading will help here.
2. Literature Review
Synthesize main findings from the literature on your selected research topic and problem and identify a gap.
Refer to resources on literature review posted in canvas. Also refer to the slides on Research Method.
3. Methodology
Describe the method used to address the research.
Points to be considered for a literature review-based research
• How was the literature selected? Search strategy.
• What keywords and procedures were used to search the literature?
• What databases were used?
• What criteria were used for retaining or discarding the literature?
• How was the literature reviewed? Authors may do a complete reading of each piece of literature,
analyze methods and findings only, or conduct a staged review (i.e., an initial review of abstracts,
and/or introduction, followed by an in-depth review) to analyze the literature.
• How are the main ideas and themes from the literature identified and analyzed?
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For Empirical Research following sections should be present in Method
3.1 Data
• Survey Location
• Type of data: experimental/observational
• Sampling size and strategy: For example, out of 10,000 working age population residing in the
village, a random sample of 1000 individuals were selected, stratified by gender.
• What information was collected in the survey
• Duration/Year of survey
3.2 Key Variables
Define and explain the choice of dependent & independent variables in the study. Justification
for including these variables should follow from the literature.
3.3 Summary Statistics of Variables
Example:
Variable Name Description Mean Standard Error (SE)
pcinc Per capita income $1000 0.55
hhsize Household size 5 1.2
3.4 Empirical model
Example: Probit model. Describe the model. Briefly explain why it is relevant.
The theoretical framework behind the empirical model should be mentioned in the Introduction or Literature
review. For example, a health demand function is estimated following Gary Becker’s household production
model (Becker, 1965) as discussed in the Literature review in section 2.
4. Results
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion
6.1 Policy Implications of key findings
6.2 Limitations of the study
6.3 Directions for future research
References/Bibliography
Appendix. Here you can include additional materials which support the analysis but which need not be
included in the main body of the report. For examples, details of survey design, variable construction,
additional results etc.
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5. Differences among Research topic, Research problem, Research purpose/objective
and Research questions
Here is a nice resource (from Nova South Eastern University, Abraham. S. Fischler School of
Education which elucidates the (quite subtle) differences among topic, problem, objective/purpose
and questions.
Source: Nova South Eastern University, Abraham. S. Fischler School of Education
Statement of the Problem
The Topic Distance education via online platforms is a rapidly growing method of education delivery
due to its convenience, wide reach, relatively low cost, and ability to support the achievement of
learning objectives. Whether the platform is Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, Angel, or some other
learning management system, online education utilizes a variety of common learning tools including
discussion boards, drop boxes, automated testing, and wikis. Chief among these tools are live online
sessions.
The Research Problem
Live online sessions may be delivered in virtual classrooms from Adobe Connect, Elluminate,
GoToMeeting, Wimba, or other software programs. Regardless of the software used, student
attendance at live online sessions, especially optional ones, can be unpredictable at best. It is a
common complaint among the online faculty at a university in the south that many, oftentimes most,
of their students do not attend the live online sessions. This study will address the problem of low
student attendance at nonmandatory virtual classroom meetings in online college courses.
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Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore absenteeism from nonmandatory synchronous
sessions in the virtual learning environment, Wimba Classroom, by undergraduate and graduate
students in online courses at a southern university.
Background and Justification
Offir, Lev, and Bezalel (2008) found the interaction level in a synchronous class, also known as web
conferencing, to be a significant factor in the effectiveness of the class. Other researchers describe
“the power of a synchronous online system to empower students in conversation and expression
(McBrien, Jones, & Cheng, 2009). However, if students do not attend, then they cannot interact nor
express themselves.
Deficiencies in the Evidence. According to Skylar (2009), “research concerning the use of newer
multimedia technologies, such as interactive synchronous web conferencing tools, is in its infancy
and needs further and continued study” (p. 82). McBrien, Jones, and Cheng (2009) stated that “more
studies are needed to explore students’ perceptions of the synchronous learning experience.” A
variety of studies have explored the differences in functionalities of the various platforms (Kenning,
2010; Lavolette, Venable, Gose, & Huang, 2010), but they did not get to the heart of why students do
or do not attend. The contribution of the present study is in addressing the above gap in the
literature.
Research Questions
The central question is: What are students’ attitudes regarding nonmandatory synchronous sessions
in Wimba at a southern university?
The following are subquestions:
1. What are students’ reasons for attending nonmandatory synchronous sessions in Wimba?
2. What are students’ reasons for not attending nonmandatory synchronous sessions in Wimba?
3. What actions could the university or its instructors take that would motivate students to increase
their attendance at nonmandatory synchronous online sessions?
Significance
The study is significant in view of the increasing emphasis on student-focused learning in the higher
education sector.
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6 Some tips….
6.1 On Topic Selection
• Personal interest
• Organizational support
• Ethical issues
• Relevance of the study
• Contribution to the field
• Time constraints
• Breath and scope
• Economic factors
6.2 Locating the Research Problem
Read the introduction/opening paragraphs of some existing studies on the topic and think:
• What is the issue or problem?
• What controversy leads to the need for a study?
• What concern is being addressed behind the study?
• Is there a sentence such as, “The problem being addressed in this study is…”?
• What are the questions asked?
6.3 Determining Whether a Problem Should be Researched
• Can you study the problem?
• Do you have access to the research site?
• Do you have the time, resources, and skills to carry out the research?
• Should you study the problem? Does it advance knowledge? Does it contribute to
practice?
• Will your study fill a gap or void in the existing literature?
• Will your study replicate a past study but examine different participants and different
research sites?
• Will your study extend past research or examine the topic more thoroughly?
• Will your study inform practice?
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References
1. Bhattacherjee, A., “Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices” (2012).
Textbooks Collection. 3.http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/oa_textbooks/3.
2. Becker, G.S. (1965). ‘A theory of the allocation of time’, Economic Journal, vol. 75(299), pp.
493– 517.
3. Levy, Y., & Ellis, T. J. (2006). A systems approach to conduct an effective literature review in
support of information systems research. Informing Science, 9, 181–211.
4. Paré, G., Trudel, M.-C., Jaana, M., & Kitsiou, S. (2015). Synthesizing information systems
knowledge: A typology of literature reviews. Information & Management, 52(2), 183–199.
5. Phillips, E.M. & Pugh, D.S. (1994). How to get a PhD. USA: Open University Press.
6. Torraco, R. (2005). Writing Integrative Literature Reviews: Guidelines and Examples. Human
Resource Development Review, 4(3), 356–367. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484305278283
Wellington, J. J. (Jerry J. . & Szczerbiński, M. (2007) Research methods for the social sciences.
London: Continuum International Pub. Group.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484305278283
(b) An abstract of length approximately 100 words, and up to 5 keywords.
(c) A structured body of content that includes the following:
· Introduction that can include background/context, motivation , research problem, research questions/objectives of the research, contributions and significance of the research.
· Literature review
· Research method which may include**
· Data : Description of the data and sources
· Empirical Model
· Theoretical/Empirical results.
· Discussion of findings/results.
· Conclusion & Policy Implication (also stating limitations and directions for future research).
(d) Bibliography: A list of references (Following Harvard Style. Check
https://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476130Links to an external site.
).
Appendix (additional materials which support the analysis but which need not be included in the main body of the report: such as details of survey design, variable construction, additional results etc.) is optional (not included in word counts).
**For review-based research, methodology will be analogous to an accurate description of how the relevant literature was selected (which database, which search terms, which inclusion/exclusion criteria) and the structure of the review –how the review was analyzed and summarized, what are the different sections in the review?). Data will be analogous to the readings that you have identified for your review.
Please find here additional notes on review-based research
, along with some examples of review papers –
paper 1
,
paper 2
,
paper 3
.
*Note:
Proposal of
Male and Female Wage Disparity in Developed Countries
Introduction
With social progress and development, inequality between men and women has gradually narrowed, however, there is still a large gap between men and women in the labor market. Gender disparity can a problem from a public policy perspective, as it reduces the size of the economy and means that women may depend on welfare to live, especially in old age. So that is one reason why we need to study and narrow the wage gap between men and women, and we need to increases gender equality to promote economic growth. Wage inequality is mainly reflected in the average difference between men and women, and also the distribution of wage which can reflect on the gender occupation segmentation (with more men in higher paid industries and women in lower paid industries) and glass ceilings (reference to barriers in the careers of high-achieving women). In this proposal, one article that highlight labor market discrimination from different perspectives shall be analyzed with an aim to come up with an image of the issue in developed counties. The purpose of this proposal is to explore what cause the gender pay gap between men and women and how should we reduce this gap in developed countries.
Literature Review
Glass Ceilings or Glass Doors? The Role of Firm in Male-female Wage Disparities. Javdani, M.(2015)
In this article, the author uses the phrases “glass ceiling” and “glass doors” to refer to discrimination as it affects women in terms of the jobs they undertake, and the organizations in which they are sorted respectively. Javdani (2015) observes that
without understanding the mechanisms by which discrimination in the labor market occurs, the policymakers may not be able to establish sustainable solutions. As Zurndorfer, (2016) observations, there has been a lot of emphasis on the wage gap that exists between men and women all over the world. However, it is essential that this disparity is reviewed by wage distribution. Women are conspicuously underrepresented in the high wage regions of this distribution, and this under representation intensifies as evaluation moves up the wage distribution levels. This notion has two implications that also Heijstra, (2015) appears to concur with; that women are faced with a glass ceiling when it comes to the labor market, and that the gap between men and women wages is wider at the top than at the middle of the wage distribution.
The policymakers are yet to establish the mechanisms by which these glass ceilings develop, and can thus not be able to address wage disparities between men and women. Several elements related to discrimination in the labor market are investigated in this study including the conditional wage distribution that may potentially be the cause of the presence of the glass ceiling. Also, the author highlights the role that segregation of women into low-paying firms versus the low paying jobs and the input the two aspects have on discrimination in the labor market. The other element that the author investigates is the contribution of inter-firm wages versus the inter-firm segregation.
In Canada, the relative market qualification among other aspects such as the wage-setting institutions, wage structure, and the government policies are stated to be different compared to those established in European environments. The author observes that the wage disparity as seen in this study is driven by factors that are widely divided into those that are registered within firms and those that operate between different firms. This is to say that the jobs that females are enrolled in within firms may be lower-paying compared to their male counterparts. The other implication is lower-paying firms sort that female workers as compared to men being enrolled with higher-paying firms. Therefore, the labor market discrimination is generally based on these two mechanisms, under which other factors that are highlighted in this paper affect the wage gap. It is the later mechanism that the author refers to as the glass doors as they prevent the accessibility to high paying firms by women in favor of men.
According to the findings by Javdani (2015), it was observed that there is a common tendency of a male being employed in a firm where 32% are female, whereas a female has a tendency of being employed in firms where 62% are female workers The author observes that it is only firms that employ fewer females that tend to pay higher wages. The significance of family is also highlighted in this case as one of the subsamples that were investigated included workers with at least one dependent child, and those that lack such a child. The overall finding is that women are faced with glass ceilings in their respective wage distribution levels. More importantly, these ceilings intensify as the women rise along with this distributions. The glass ceilings according to the author may be economy-wide, or within-firm. The effects of these ceilings are more intense in the earlier than the latter, but all the same, registered in both cases.
This article presents an exhaustive account of the mechanisms by which discrimination in the labor market develops. Besides the factors highlighted such as the access to high paying jobs within an organization, and access to the top paying organization, the author observes that the underlying factors such as family are also important. For example, the ability of a woman to work at home, the hours she may be available depending on the home responsibilities are critical to determining their vulnerability to a glass ceiling, and some extent, the glass door. The author points out some stereotypes that may be contributing to the lesser enrollment of women in high paying jobs, one of them being that women are more family-oriented than men who are believed to be work-oriented. However, this belief would be misleading and only intensify the already huge discrimination against women in the labor market. In this article, the barriers to equity and equality in the labor market are said to be determined by the different levels of the wage distribution. Both glass ceilings and glass doors contribute to the persistent wage gap in different ways. More research would need to be done on the unknown factors that are estimated at 50% to ensure that the necessary measures are adopted to promote family economics and the overall equality between men and women.
Miller, C. (2017). The Gender Pay Gap Is Largely Because of Motherhood. The New York Times.
It is a traditional reality that women play more domestic roles compared to men. The aspect of childbearing is central to the wage gap that exists between men and women. It is this factor that contributes to the eventual disparity between men’s and women’s income in a few years after college. According to Miller, it is during the women’s reproductive age that the wage gap grows wider despite both men and women earning a reasonably balanced wage by the time they graduate. Nevertheless, it is a known fact that all women including those that are not married and don’t have babies earn lower wages compared to men. Most employers are wary of giving women core responsibilities in their organizations in fear that the availability of women is unpredictable given that they may either ask for maternity leaves or may quit their jobs to move with their husbands.
It is this turn of events that according to Schmitz, (2018) contributes to the distortion and enlargement of the wage gap as a result of the unpredictability of women in the labor market that is translated to unreliability from a business perspective. Miller observes that the low income and family responsibilities influence each other in a vicious cycle where women are charged with family chores on the basis that they earn less compared to men, whereas it is the same responsibilities that contribute to the lower wages. This article reflects an observation also made by Schultz, (2016) stating that despite the fact that women do cut back on their jobs, the pay cut is not proportional, with employers paying disproportionately more and less for more and fewer hours respectively. The major constraint for the decision makers, in this case, is the social responsibilities that women in the society are charged with. However, such constraints can only be socially addressed both at the workplace and also in public policy. The priority should be shifted from long hours and also addressing the cost of childcare alongside the length of leaves offered for parental purposes.
Conclusion
To be able to eliminate this discrimination, we first need to start with the government’s policies. Except in some special jobs (need to hire men as the main employees such as firefighters, which require more physical work, but it does not mean that women are completely unsuitable for this kind of job), the government should set the company’s percentage of female employees less than 50% (in the same educational background and ability). Secondly, the government should regulate the wages of men and women in equal jobs with the same qualification and ability. Based on the finding of Australian Government and Workplace Gender Equality Agency[footnoteRef:1], in 2017 to 2018 the gender pay gap was higher among managers compared to non-managers, the gender pay gap of managers is 25.7%, and the average total wage difference is USD 50,370. From this we can see that the income gap between men and women in the same position is so huge. The wage gap should be reduced and the level of women’s welfare should be increased to protect women in old age. This initiative can promote economic development and equality. [1: . (August 2019) Australia’s Gender Pay Gap Statistics www.wega.gov.au ]
References
Heijstra, T., Bjarnason, T., & Rafnsdóttir, G. L. (2015). Predictors of Gender Inequalities in the Rank of Full Professor. Scandinavian Journal Of Educational Research, 59(2), 214-230.
Javdani, M. (2015). Glass ceilings or glass doors? The role of firms in male-female wage disparities. Canadian Journal Of Economics, 48(2), 529-560.
Miller, C. (2017). The Gender Pay Gap Is Largely Because of Motherhood. The New York Times. Web.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/upshot/the-gender-pay-gap-is-largely-because-of-motherhood.html?mtrref=www.google.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=61C20E4AD1D7D3392295DA472BFA751C&gwt=pay
Schmitz, S. (2018). Race and Gender Discrimination Across Urban Labor Markets. London: Routledge.
Schultz, J. (2016). Gender-Wage Discrimination by Marital Status in Canada: 2006 to 2016.
Verniers, C., & Vala, J. (2018). Justifying gender discrimination in the workplace: The mediating role of motherhood myths. Plos ONE, 13(1), 1-23. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0190657
Zurndorfer, H. (2016). Men, Women, Money, and Morality: The Development of China’s Sexual Economy. Feminist Economics, 22(2), 1-23. doi:10.1080/13545701.2015.1026834
1
Project Title
Name of the student
School of Economics, The University of Sydney
Research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Economics
Semester 1, 2020
2
Statement of Originality
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no
material previously published or written by another person. Nor does it contain any material which has
been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at the University of Sydney or at any other
educational institution, except where due acknowledgment is made in this thesis.
Any contributions made to the research by others with whom I have had the benefit of working at the
University of Sydney is explicitly acknowledged.
I also declare that the intellectual content of this study is the product of my own work and research,
except to the extent that assistance from others in the project’s conception and design is acknowledged.
Name of student
Date
3
Acknowledgement
4
Abstract
100 words
3-5 key words
5
At the very least, you should have the following sections (content) in your final report.
Contents
1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2 Method ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3 Background: Debate on the relationship between health and economic growth ………………………..
4 Theoretical Framework on the link between health and economic growth ……………………………….
5 Empirical results from the macroeconomic studies on health and economic growth ………………….
6 Empirical results from the microeconomic studies on health and economic growth ………………….
7 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
References …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6
1 Introduction
The Topic: is the broad subject matter being addressed in a study. Introduced in the first paragraphs.
The Research Problem: an area of conflict, concern, or controversy, a gap. State the problem in the
opening paragraph (i.e., something that needs a solution). Identify an issue. Reference the problem
using the literature.
Significance: Why the research problem is important. For example, the proposed study is significant
since it addresses the sustainable development goals of zero hunger and eradication of poverty.
Background and Justification: The evidence and relevance from the literature and published or
archival data showing the problem exists. Include key references. You should also have a theoretical
basis for the study. Deficiencies in the Evidence: Include a brief discussion that details the area
of
need (in relation to the problem) and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.
Research Aim/Objective/Purpose: Major intent or objective of the study. Create a sentence that begins
with “The purpose/objective of this study is . . .” Clearly identify and define the central concepts or
ideas of the study.
Research questions: can be quantitative (more closed. Often on probable cause/effect) or qualitative
(more open ended – descriptive /interpretive /process oriented) or a mix of both.
Contribution of the study. For example, the study addresses a specific gap in the literature and hence,
adds value to the scholarly literature on the subject.
Key finding – summary of findings in two lines. e.g. I find that education does not have any impact on
happiness, however, income does increase happiness – $1 increase in per capita monthly income is
associated with 1 percentage point increase in happiness.
2 Method
As explained before in the previously-posted research guidelines, points to be considered for a
literature review-based research are as follows (at the very least)
• How was the literature selected? Search strategy.
• What keywords and procedures were used to search the literature?
• What databases were used?
• What criteria were used for retaining or discarding the literature?
• How was the literature reviewed? Authors may do a complete reading of each piece of
literature, analyze methods and findings only, or conduct a staged review (i.e., an initial review of
abstracts, and/or introduction, followed by an in-depth review) to analyze the literature.
• How are the main ideas and themes from the literature identified and analyzed?
If you have conducted any data analysis, add a separate paragraph on data details and explain how yiu
intend to analyze the data. Also briefly explain why you are doing this?
7
Finally, how do you plan to organize your literature review? – For example, I attempt to answer my
key research question (on the relationship between health and economic growth) by organizing my
literature review in the following manner. First, in Section 3, I discuss the debate in the literature on
the relationship between health and economic growth. Next, in Section 4, I discuss the theoretical
framework for the link between health and economic growth. In Section 5, I discuss the empirical
results from the macroeconomic studies on health and economic growth. In Section 6, I discuss the
empirical results from the macroeconomic studies on health and economic growth. Section 7 is
Conclusion which summarizes my key findings from the literature. In this section, I also discuss the
policy implications of my results & key limitations of the study; as well as offer directions for future
research.
Note: additionally, if you have done any data analysis in your literature review, add a separate section
in the main review. For example, in this example, Section 7 could be ” Results of data analysis on the
health indicators and GDP growth in Australia in 2019.
3 Background: Debate on the relationship between health and economic growth
4 Theoretical Framework on the link between health and economic growth
3.1 Static framework
3.4 Dynamic framework
5 Empirical results from the macroeconomic studies on health and economic growth
Here you report key findings and discuss results (please note that having Findings
&
discussion as separate sub-sections is just one of several ways of organizing a literature
review. Not all topics are suitable for this structure).
5.1 Findings
Here you can report main findings in a table and just refer to the table as explained in the previous
guideline (see Table 1 at the end of the document – a template).
5.2 Discussion of findings
You know what to write here. Follow marking rubric and try to stick to the expectations of D and HD
criteria. For example, do not simply summarize results. Interpret, critically discuss
8
6 Empirical results from the microeconomic studies on health and economic growth
6.1 Findings
6.2 Discussion of findings
7 Conclusion
7.1 Summary of findings & Policy Implications of key findings
7.2 Limitations of the
study
7.3 Directions for future research
References/Bibliography
Appendix. Here you can include additional materials which support the analysis but which need not
be included in the main body of the report. For examples, details of survey design,
variable
construction, additional results etc.
9
Table 1: Summary of Key Findings on the link between Health & Economic growth
Author Country Year of
publication
Data
(name of survey
and unit of analysis –
national/state/individual)
Sample size
(if
applicable)
Period
of
study
Model
/Method
(if
applicable)
Key findings
Maccini
& Yang
Indonesia 2009 Indonesia Family Life
Survey (IFLS).
Unit of analysis –
individuals
4,615
women and
4,277 men
2000 Instrumental
variable
regression
*Higher early-life
rainfall has positive
effects on the adult
outcomes of women,
but not of men
Bleakely
&
Bleakely
Global 2010 Various sources NA various Literature
review
The relationship between
health and economic
growth is inconclusive
since researchers have not
been able to satisfactorily
address the issue of –
endogeneity arising from
reverse causality – a
serious methodological
concern in this literature
Mincer, NA 1984 NA NA NA Theoretical Human-capital
accumulation is an
important link between
economic growth and the
‘demographic transition’.
NA: not applicable
References
Mincer, J. (1984) Human capital and economic growth. Economics of Education Review. [Online] 3
(3), 195–205.
Maccini, Sharon, and Dean Yang. 2009. “Under the Weather: Health, Schooling, and Economic
Consequences of Early-Life Rainfall.” American Economic Review, 99 (3): 1006-26.
Bleakley, H. & Bleakley, H. (2010) Health, Human Capital, and Development. Annual Review of
Economics. 2283–310. [online]. Available from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/856399120/
http://search.proquest.com/docview/856399120/
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