After completing and proof reading my first of my report, wrote just over 3500 words and made a bibliography including all my sources.
I am going to ask people to proof read my work to check for any grammatical errors or information errors and ask for feedback I can use to complete a second draft with.
Hello. Welcome to my Blog based around my EPQ, containing ideas, research and all relevant information to my project.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Report Writing - 1st Draft
I have started to work on the first draft of my report after created a detailed plan. I decided to split my report into two different parts to address each part of my question.
I am also finding that as I write sections of my report I am conducting more research to find more detail or studies with their evaluations. As a result I am able to add and consolidate my knowledge as I write my report.
Furthermore, as I write the draft I am finding it easier to link paragraphs and information together easier and I am also finding that 4000 words isn't as much as I thought it to be in the beginning meaning I have to condense my information and make sure I don't waffle or use unnecessary words in my writing
I am also finding that as I write sections of my report I am conducting more research to find more detail or studies with their evaluations. As a result I am able to add and consolidate my knowledge as I write my report.
Furthermore, as I write the draft I am finding it easier to link paragraphs and information together easier and I am also finding that 4000 words isn't as much as I thought it to be in the beginning meaning I have to condense my information and make sure I don't waffle or use unnecessary words in my writing
Monday, 18 January 2016
Overall Evaluation of Planning and Progress: June 2015 - December 2015
Starting my EPQ in June 2015, I had decided on my topic/focus for my question within a few weeks after starting the project knowing I wanted to base it around the subject of sports psychology. After this, I created a brief schedule to help me with my project.
I originally planned to complete all of my research by September, had this information consolidated and backed up by primary research/expert opinions by October and then had a report written by the end of December to then be able to prepare for my presentation in January.
Self Evaluation: Plan
Originally my plan itself was detailed and working. I found that finding research as I went helped as it allowed me to keep relevant information together and meant when I was adding to my plan for later weeks I knew what I still had to do as well what I potentially could do. However, as the weeks especially in the summer holidays continued I found myself being unable to complete everything I had planned due to being busy with other college work, meeting up with friends or at work. As a result, I had to adapt my plan and lengthen it which I didn't intend to do. But by extending this plan I did complete more research which allowed me to find more in depth information that I can use to my advantage when writing the report. When I returned to college I allocated frees to keep me motivated complete EPQ work which I kept to, which allowed me to utilise the time I had. As a result, on the whole my plan was successful and I kept to it strictly, with the exception of times I had to alter the plan due to unforeseen circumstances.
Self Evaluation: Secondary Research
My secondary research was successful in many ways. I was able to find the fundamental information easily, and many websites included factors I could possibly explore during my answer. I found many research articles on search engines like Google Scholar and used textbooks to add to my research as well as compare the factors I found. The use of research over a period of time allowed me to consolidate my findings and allow me to think of more aspects to look at in my research which has given me a large yet detailed range to speak about.
Self Evaluation: Time Management
During my project I have realised I have underestimated the amount of time I had compared to the amount of work I needed to do especially when it came to research. I knew I had a lot of research to do however I didn't believe it would take as long as it has done and as a result I am behind where I had originally planned to be at this time. However I updated my plan/schedule so I am on track on my current plan.
I originally planned to complete all of my research by September, had this information consolidated and backed up by primary research/expert opinions by October and then had a report written by the end of December to then be able to prepare for my presentation in January.
Self Evaluation: Plan
Originally my plan itself was detailed and working. I found that finding research as I went helped as it allowed me to keep relevant information together and meant when I was adding to my plan for later weeks I knew what I still had to do as well what I potentially could do. However, as the weeks especially in the summer holidays continued I found myself being unable to complete everything I had planned due to being busy with other college work, meeting up with friends or at work. As a result, I had to adapt my plan and lengthen it which I didn't intend to do. But by extending this plan I did complete more research which allowed me to find more in depth information that I can use to my advantage when writing the report. When I returned to college I allocated frees to keep me motivated complete EPQ work which I kept to, which allowed me to utilise the time I had. As a result, on the whole my plan was successful and I kept to it strictly, with the exception of times I had to alter the plan due to unforeseen circumstances.
Self Evaluation: Secondary Research
My secondary research was successful in many ways. I was able to find the fundamental information easily, and many websites included factors I could possibly explore during my answer. I found many research articles on search engines like Google Scholar and used textbooks to add to my research as well as compare the factors I found. The use of research over a period of time allowed me to consolidate my findings and allow me to think of more aspects to look at in my research which has given me a large yet detailed range to speak about.
Self Evaluation: Time Management
During my project I have realised I have underestimated the amount of time I had compared to the amount of work I needed to do especially when it came to research. I knew I had a lot of research to do however I didn't believe it would take as long as it has done and as a result I am behind where I had originally planned to be at this time. However I updated my plan/schedule so I am on track on my current plan.
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Survey Analysis
As primary research I decided to complete a survey. I completed this on Survey Monkey as it is a well known website that I have used before. I also knew the results were clearly understandable and easy to interpret due to its graph system with a breakdown.
I was able to use the results to add more information to my report and gain an understanding of anxiety from a persons perspective. I found 3 questions in particular especially helpful in my research:
These three especially I found to be in pattern the most with my research and fit my understanding the best.
Monday, 4 January 2016
Primary Research: Observation
Observation
I also believed actually observing a team performance may be beneficial in my investigation. I observed an U16 league match against a weaker team than themselves and also a cup semi-final match. The team I observed are based in Horsley and are in the second highest division (west Surrey boys)
During the league game the players had a very good performance both on and off the pitch. They were all very enthusiastic and had optimal levels of arousal which also showed when performing. Their team performance was outstanding with strong communication between them and good tactics that didn't break down. They rarely missed a pass and the majority of their shots were on target. All had good technique in their skills. They won the game 4-0. When I asked one of their players about their performance they felt they had adrenaline in their system and were up for the performance. He also said he was more ready for the game as they knew comfortably win. I interpreted this as the team having an optimal level of arousal and as a result not suffering from anxiety. However, the opposing team at one point had a penalty opportunity missed so I asked the player who took it how they felt. They said they were worried they were being judged by their team and the stress of the situation was high especially as at the time the score was 0-0. I interpreted this as the player suffering evaluation apprehension which meant his anxiety levels increased and he was feeling the cognitive and somatic symptoms of this which led to him missing.
The semi final game however was a different story. The team looked nervous even when warming up and the vibe of the team seemed lower. The opposing team was top of the premier division of the age group. It was apparent the team was over aroused as they were missing basic passes, shooting with the wrong part of the foot etc. The final result was 4-1.
I asked the players as a group why their performance was not as strong as I previously saw. They all emphasised the pressure of the match and the want to progress to the final an the expectations they'd set of theirselves may have been unrealistic to what they could achieve. One player mentioned they'd "bottled it" and said they did not communicate well as a team or use their tactics. One said they saw their captain give up and subsequently they gave up to (social loafing.) They also expressed the fact they knew the team was of a much higher quality than their own so they were nervous which they would not be in other matches.
I believed I could use this in my research as it showed the effects of the opponent on a persons performance.
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