VCE Extended Investigation study plan

Draft a one-sentence research question that names a measurable variable and a defined population or text set

Map the question against at least three plausible methodologies and justify the chosen one in 150 words

List every ethical risk (consent, anonymity, data storage, vulnerable participants) and write the mitigation for each

Build a week-by-week project timeline working backwards from the externally assessed submission date

Assemble an annotated bibliography of 8-10 sources, tagging each as primary, secondary or methodological

Write a 200-word synthesis identifying where the sources agree and where the literature is silent

Refine the research question so it addresses one gap identified in the synthesis

Draft a data collection instrument (survey, interview schedule, coding frame or measurement protocol) and pilot it on two people or two sample items

Pilot the full data collection procedure once end to end and time it

Revise the instrument based on pilot problems, recording each change and its reason

Set up a secure, backed-up data storage system with a clear file naming convention

Write the methodology section draft covering sampling, procedure, instruments and analysis approach

Collect the first half of the planned data using the revised instrument

Log every deviation from the plan as it happens, with date and reason

Clean and code the data collected so far into a consistent format

Write a short reflective entry on what the early data is already suggesting

Complete the remaining data collection and confirm the dataset matches the planned sample size

Run the planned analysis and produce at least two tables or figures that answer the research question directly

Draft the results section, reporting findings without interpretation

Outline the discussion section by matching each finding to a source from the bibliography

Write the discussion and conclusion, linking findings back to the literature and stating limitations

Draft the introduction and abstract last, once the argument is settled

Check every claim against the evidence and remove or qualify any unsupported statement

Compile the reference list in the required style and verify each entry against the source

Cut the report to the word limit without losing argument, then re-read for coherence

Design a 10-minute oral presentation that states the question, method, key finding and significance

Build slides with no more than six words per line and one idea per slide

Rehearse the presentation aloud twice, timing it and noting where you stumble

Rehearse the oral presentation before a live listener and incorporate their questions into a Q&A preparation sheet

Proofread the report for formatting, citation and consistency errors

Submit the report and confirm receipt

Deliver the oral presentation and record a self-evaluation within 24 hours