ASSESSMENT TASK
Developing and examining aims and hypotheses
develop a hypotheses or research question about WILDLIFE CRIME ( about Poaching in specific if possible)
Title: Please don’t forget a title, and please don’t call it ‘opinion article coursework’ make it meaningful
Abstract (1-200 words):
An overview of the entire paper – rationale, key aims, arguments for and reasons why arguments against don’t stack up (base abstract on main arguments only), brief conclusion
Introduction (3-400 words):
What is the big picture – try to link this to a big scientific theory. Examples – constraints on evolution, antibiotic resistance, intermediate disturbance hypotheses, desertification, climate change, food security…
Narrow to topic – e.g. Climate change -> methods to reduce emissions
Antibiotic resistance -> changes in prescription medication
Present both (or more if there are more) sides to the argument
a) Emissions can be reduced by people changing their behavior (+ REFS)
b) Behavioural change won’t make the necessary changes to emission – need government intervention (+ REFS)
Aims and objectives (100 words):
Or hypotheses or research questions – as per taught sessions. What are you going to test?
A hypothesis is good here, as you are arguing for a specific point.
Argument (8-700 words):
I’d start with the theory you are supporting, outline it, include the rationale for why it is right – reference a lot
Then look at counter theories – break then down as to why they don’t apply – use literature directly, or apply theories from literature to the problem.
e.g. rapid implementation of vaccination for Covid – argument against could be that the effectiveness of the vaccine has not been tested properly. Counter this by demonstrating that safety tests have been carried out, and even if it isn’t effective, it won’t cause harm. Can you reference other cases of ineffective vaccines (there will be flu vaccines which haven’t protected many people in some years) to help your case?
Conclusion (1-200 words):
This should state clearly why your point of view is right, and summaries the main reasons for this, and the implications and benefits of holding this view point.