USE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY TO RESEARCH ON A TOPIC
UNIT STANDARD ID: 114076
NQF LEVEL: 4
CREDITS: 3
NOTIONAL HOURS: 30
UNIT STANDARD 114076 :
Use computer technology to research a computer topic
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1
Plan the research of a computer topic.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. The plan identifies the topic, objectives, and scope of the research.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. The plan identifies the time to be taken for the research, the research methods to be used, and the sources of information to be used.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
3. The plan identifies the target audience, presentation methods, and the computer applications to be used for the analysis of data and the presentation of the results of the research.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2
Conduct research of a computer topic using computer technology.
OUTCOME RANGE
Internet, Other computer applications.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. The research conducted accumulates data according to the research plan.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. The research conducted provides data analysis with conclusions.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
3. The description of the analysis methods allows the validity of the analysis to be assessed.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
4. Research progress is indicated at intervals by reports, according to the research plan.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5
5. The research conducted uses a computer application to analyse the research data.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3
Present the results of research of a computer topic using computer technology
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. The presentation is made using the computer application identified in the research plan.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. The presentation communicates summarised research data and conclusions to the target audience.
Table of Contents
Introduction to computer research
Lesson 1 – The research process
Lesson 2 – Planning a research
Lesson 3 – Research Methods and sources
Lesson 4 – Data collection techniques
Lesson 5 – Using the internet for research
Lesson 6 – Data processing
Lesson 7 – Analysing and interpreting information
Lesson 8 – Using Ms Excel 2010 to analyse data
Lesson 9 – Creating charts to present research data
Lesson 10 – Concluding a research
Lesson 11 – Using Ms PowerPoint and Ms Word 2010 to present a research
Introduction to computer research
Since their inception, computers have been used by humans to solve a number of everyday problems. They do vast variety of jobs with tremendous speed and efficiency. Computers have become indispensible when it comes to conducting researches. That is, the computer assists the researcher in all the stages of the research process i.e. from planning the research to storing and distribution of the research results.
A research can be defines as a systematic investigative process employed to increase or revise current knowledge by discovering new facts. It is divided into two general categories:
1. Basic research is inquiry aimed at increasing scientific knowledge, and
2. Applied research is effort aimed at using basic research for solving problems or developing new processes, products, or techniques.
