7.1.1 Creating the Artefact

Introduction

After learning how to perform advanced searches to locate information, the textbook moves to the next step in the research process: creating the artefact. An artefact is a digital product (such as a report, presentation, website, or video) that communicates research findings and conclusions.

The textbook explains that to begin creating the artefact, the first step is data collection by performing advanced searches to locate credible sources. This involves using search engines, academic databases, and digital libraries to find relevant information related to the research question.

Definition

Creating the Artefact is the process of designing and developing a digital product (e.g., report, presentation, infographic, video) that communicates research findings and conclusions to an audience.

In simple words: Creating the artefact means making the final product that presents your research — whether it's a report, a slideshow, or a video.

Main Idea

The core idea is that the artefact is the culmination of the research process. It is where all the data collection, analysis, and interpretation come together to communicate findings to an audience.

The textbook explains that creating the artefact begins with data collection through advanced searches. Various primary and secondary methods of data collection have been discussed in detail in previous grades. You can use any reliable method of data collection. The reliability and accuracy of the data is a challenge. Therefore, while collecting data, you should be able to verify a valid source of data.

Core Concept

• Use search engines, academic databases, and digital libraries to find relevant information related to the research question.
• Use advanced search techniques (Boolean operators, filters, site operators, etc.) to locate credible sources.
• Use any reliable method of data collection (primary or secondary).

The challenge: The reliability and accuracy of the data is a challenge. Therefore, while collecting data, you should be able to verify a valid source of data.

• Checking that the source is credible (peer-reviewed, trusted domain, well-known author).
• Ensuring the data is accurate and up-to-date.
• Confirming that the source is relevant to the research question.

• Written report: A detailed document presenting the research.
• Presentation: A slideshow summarizing the findings.
• Infographic: A visual representation of the data.
• Video: A multimedia presentation of the findings.
• Website: An interactive presentation of the research.

• A code icon (`</>`), representing a website or software artefact.
• A bar chart icon, representing a data visualization or report.
• A document icon, representing a written report.
• A table icon, representing a spreadsheet or data table.
• A calendar icon with a clock, representing a timeline or schedule.
• A document with a list icon, representing a structured report or checklist.

These icons illustrate the diversity of forms that an artefact can take.

Intermediate Level

Creating the artefact involves several key steps:

Key point: The artefact is not just a collection of data — it is a structured presentation of findings that communicates the research to an audience.

Important Points

• - Creating the Artefact: The process of designing and developing a digital product to communicate research findings.
• - First Step: Data collection using advanced searches.
• - Sources: Search engines, academic databases, digital libraries.
• - Challenge: Verifying the reliability and accuracy of data.
• - Verification: Check that sources are credible, accurate, and relevant.
• - Artefact Forms: Written report, presentation, infographic, video, website.
• - Fig. 7.4: Shows different types of artefacts.

Remember

• - Creating the Artefact = Making the final product.
• - First Step: Data collection.
• - Sources: Search engines, academic databases, digital libraries.
• - Challenge: Verify reliability and accuracy.
• - Verification: Credible, accurate, relevant.
• - Artefact Forms: Report, presentation, infographic, video, website.
• - Fig. 7.4: Types of artefacts.

Common Mistakes

• 1. Skipping data collection — Without data, there is no artefact.
• 2. Using unreliable sources — Always verify the credibility of sources.
• 3. Ignoring the audience — The artefact should be designed for its intended audience.
• 4. Not structuring the artefact logically — A logical structure (introduction, findings, conclusion) is essential for clear communication.
• 5. Forgetting to cite sources — Proper citation is essential for academic integrity.
• 6. Choosing the wrong format — The format should suit the content and the audience.

Quick Revision

• Creating the Artefact: To begin creating the artefact, the first step is data collection by performing advanced searches to locate credible sources.
• Data Collection: This involves using search engines, academic databases, and digital libraries to find relevant information related to the research question.
• Methods: Various primary and secondary methods of data collection have been discussed in detail in previous grades. You can use any reliable method of data collection.
• Challenge: The reliability and accuracy of the data is a challenge. Therefore, while collecting data, you should be able to verify a valid source of data.
• Fig. 7.4: Shows creating the artefact with icons representing different types of artefacts (code, bar chart, document, table, calendar, list).

60-Second Revision

• Creating the Artefact = Making the final product.
• First Step: Data collection.
• Sources: Search engines, academic databases, digital libraries.
• Challenge: Verify reliability and accuracy.
• Verification: Credible, accurate, relevant.
• Artefact Forms: Report, presentation, infographic, video, website.
• Warning: Always verify the credibility of sources before using them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q1. What is an artefact?
• Answer: An artefact is a digital product (such as a report, presentation, website, or video) that communicates research findings and conclusions to an audience.

Q2. What is the first step in creating an artefact? Answer: The first step is data collection by performing advanced searches to locate credible sources. This involves using search engines, academic databases, and digital libraries to find relevant information related to the research question.

• Q3. What is the challenge in data collection?
• Answer: The reliability and accuracy of the data is a challenge. Therefore, while collecting data, you should be able to verify a valid source of data.

• Q4. How do you verify a valid source?
• Answer: To verify a valid source, check that it is credible (peer-reviewed, trusted domain, well-known author), accurate, and relevant to the research question.

• Written report
• Presentation
• Infographic
• Video
• Website

Q6. What does Fig. 7.4 show? Answer: Fig. 7.4 shows the process of creating the artefact, with icons representing different types of artefacts (code, bar chart, document, table, calendar, list).

• Q7. Why is data collection important for creating an artefact?
• Answer: Data collection is important because it provides the foundation for the artefact. Without reliable data, the artefact cannot be credible.

Q8. What methods of data collection can be used? Answer: Various primary and secondary methods of data collection can be used, as discussed in previous grades. You can use any reliable method of data collection.

Q9. Why is it important to verify sources? Answer: It is important to verify sources to ensure that the data is reliable and accurate. Using unreliable sources can undermine the credibility of the artefact.

Q10. What role do digital tools play in creating an artefact? Answer: Digital tools (e.g., word processors, presentation software, data visualization tools) are used to create the artefact. The choice of tool depends on the type of artefact and the audience.

• Q11. What should be the structure of an artefact?
• Answer: The artefact should be structured logically, typically with an introduction, findings, and conclusion. This ensures clear communication of the research.

Practice Questions

Short Response Questions (SRQs)

• Define an artefact and explain its purpose.
• What is the first step in creating an artefact?
• Why is data collection important for creating an artefact?
• What forms can an artefact take?
• What does Fig. 7.4 show?

Extended Response Questions (ERQs)

• Discuss the process of creating an artefact in detail. Why is data collection the first step?
• Explain the importance of verifying sources in data collection. What criteria should be used to assess credibility?
• Analyze the different forms an artefact can take. How do you choose the right form for your research?
• You are tasked with creating an artefact to present research on the impact of social media on mental health. Describe the steps you would take, from data collection to the final artefact.
• Compare and contrast different types of artefacts (report, presentation, infographic, video, website). What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Q1. What is an artefact?
• A. A digital product that communicates research findings
• B. A type of database
• C. A programming language
• D. A type of network
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: An artefact is a digital product (such as a report, presentation, website, or video) that communicates research findings and conclusions.

• Q2. What is the first step in creating an artefact?
• A. Data collection
• B. Designing the artefact
• C. Presenting the artefact
• D. Evaluating the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The first step is data collection by performing advanced searches to locate credible sources.

• Q3. What sources can be used for data collection?
• A. Search engines, academic databases, digital libraries
• B. Only books
• C. Only websites
• D. Only social media
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Search engines, academic databases, and digital libraries can be used for data collection.

• Q4. What is the challenge in data collection?
• A. Verifying the reliability and accuracy of data
• B. Collecting too much data
• C. Collecting too little data
• D. Storing data
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The reliability and accuracy of the data is a challenge; you should be able to verify a valid source of data.

• Q5. What forms can an artefact take?
• A. Written report, presentation, infographic, video, website
• B. Only written reports
• C. Only presentations
• D. Only videos
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: An artefact can take many forms, including written reports, presentations, infographics, videos, and websites.

• Q6. What does Fig. 7.4 show?
• A. Creating the artefact
• B. A database
• C. A programming language
• D. A network
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Fig. 7.4 shows the process of creating the artefact with various icons.

• Q7. Why is data collection important?
• A. It provides the foundation for the artefact
• B. It deletes data
• C. It stores data
• D. It ignores data
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Data collection is important because it provides the foundation for the artefact. Without reliable data, the artefact cannot be credible.

• Q8. What methods of data collection can be used?
• A. Any reliable method (primary or secondary)
• B. Only primary methods
• C. Only secondary methods
• D. No methods
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: You can use any reliable method of data collection, whether primary or secondary.

• Q9. Why is it important to verify sources?
• A. To ensure the data is reliable and accurate
• B. To delete data
• C. To store data
• D. To ignore data
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: It is important to verify sources to ensure that the data is reliable and accurate.

• Q10. What role do digital tools play in creating an artefact?
• A. They are used to create the artefact
• B. They delete data
• C. They store data
• D. They ignore data
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Digital tools (e.g., word processors, presentation software, data visualization tools) are used to create the artefact.

• Q11. What should be the structure of an artefact?
• A. Introduction, findings, conclusion
• B. Random order
• C. Only findings
• D. Only conclusion
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The artefact should be structured logically, typically with an introduction, findings, and conclusion.

• Q12. Why is verifying sources important?
• A. To ensure the credibility of the artefact
• B. To delete data
• C. To store data
• D. To ignore data
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Verifying sources is important to ensure the credibility of the artefact. Using unreliable sources can undermine the credibility of the artefact.