7.1.5 Creating a Research Artefact

Introduction

After learning about using digital tools to communicate results and conclusions, the textbook presents a practical guide to creating a research artefact. This section brings together everything the student has learned — advanced searching, data collection, digital tools, and structuring — into a complete process.

The textbook explains that to reinforce the concepts learned, we can create a research artefact. For this project, we will select a research question of interest, apply advanced search techniques to locate credible information, organize findings, and use a digital tool to create an artefact that communicates the research.

Definition

Creating a Research Artefact is the process of designing and developing a digital product (e.g., report, presentation, website, video) that communicates research findings and conclusions, following a structured process from problem identification to evaluation.

In simple words: Creating a research artefact means making a final product that presents your research, from start to finish.

Main Idea

The core idea is that creating a research artefact is a structured process. It is not just about making a report or a presentation — it is about following a logical sequence of steps that ensures the final product is effective and communicates the research clearly.

• Initial Problem
• Explicated Problem
• Outline Artefact and Define Requirements
• Design and Develop Artefact
• Demonstrate Artefact
• Evaluate Artefact

Core Concept

The Process of Creating a Research Artefact (Fig. 7.7)

Step 1: Initial Problem From the book: "At the first step, i.e., initial problem, identify a problem or research question. e.g., How can we reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings?"

• Identify a problem or research question.
• This is the starting point of the research.

Example: How can we reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings?

Step 2: Explicated Problem From the book: "To explain the problem, clarify and refine the problem statement. e.g., What are the most effective strategies for reducing energy consumption in commercial office buildings in urban areas?"

• Clarify and refine the problem statement.
• Make the problem more specific and focused.

Example: What are the most effective strategies for reducing energy consumption in commercial office buildings in urban areas?

Step 3: Outline Artefact and Define Requirements From the book: "In the next step, create an outline and define the requirements for the artefact. i.e., introduction, literature review, case studies, recommendations, conclusion. The requirements can be Interactive dashboard, 3D model, references, and presentation."

• Create an outline of the artefact.
• Define the requirements (what the artefact needs to include).
• List the requirements (e.g., visually appealing, easy to navigate, accurate, reliable, relevant content).
• Define technical requirements (e.g., interactive elements, compatible with multiple devices).

• Outline: Introduction, literature review, case studies, recommendations, conclusion.
• Requirements: Interactive dashboard, 3D model, references, presentation.
• Technical requirements: Interactive elements, compatible with multiple devices.

Step 4: Design and Develop Artefact From the book: "To design and develop the artefact, create the artefact based on the outline and requirements. i.e., design an interactive dashboard using Power BI, create a 3D model using SketchUp, write the content and references."

• Create the artefact based on the outline and requirements.
• Use appropriate tools (e.g., Power BI, SketchUp).

Example: Design an interactive dashboard using Power BI, create a 3D model using SketchUp, write the content and references.

Step 5: Demonstrate Artefact From the book: "The final product will be the desired artefact. An interactive dashboard presenting energy consumption data and 3D models of commercial office buildings. To demonstrate the artefact, present it to the audience."

• The final product is the desired artefact.
• Present it to the audience.

Example: An interactive dashboard presenting energy consumption data and 3D models of commercial office buildings. Present it to the audience.

Step 6: Evaluate Artefact From the book: "To evaluate it, assess the effectiveness and quality of the artefact. Evaluate the artefact based on clarity, organization, and effectiveness of presentation. The evaluation has identified areas for improvement, such as adding more interactive elements or clarifying the recommendations."

• Assess the effectiveness and quality of the artefact.
• Evaluate based on clarity, organization, and effectiveness of presentation.
• Identify areas for improvement.

Example: The evaluation has identified areas for improvement, such as adding more interactive elements or clarifying the recommendations.

The Full Process (Fig. 7.7) The textbook's figure (Fig. 7.7) illustrates the full process:

``` Initial Problem → Explicated Problem → Outline Artefact and Define Requirements → Design and Develop Artefact → Demonstrate Artefact → Evaluate Artefact ```

Each step builds on the previous one, leading to a final, evaluated artefact.

Group Work and Presentation The textbook also explains: "As part of the activity, students can work in groups to collaboratively research different questions, gather data, and present their findings using tools such as Google Slides or Prezi. This allows them to practice using digital tools, while also fostering teamwork and collaboration. After completing the artefact, each group will present their work to the class, receiving peer feedback on the clarity, organization, and effectiveness of their presentation."

• Students can work in groups.
• Use tools like Google Slides or Prezi.
• Practice using digital tools.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration.
• Present work to the class.
• Receive peer feedback on clarity, organization, and effectiveness.

• Initial Problem → Explicated Problem
• Outline Artefact and Define Requirements → Requirements
• Design and Develop Artefact → Artefact
• Demonstrate Artefact → Demonstrated Artefact
• Evaluate Artefact → Evaluated Artefact

The figure illustrates how the process flows from one step to the next, with each step producing an output that feeds into the next.

Intermediate Level

The six steps can be grouped into three phases:

Key point: Planning is essential for a successful artefact. Without a clear problem and outline, the artefact may lack direction and effectiveness.

Important Points

• - Creating a Research Artefact: The process of designing and developing a digital product to communicate research findings.
• - 6 Steps:
• 1. Initial Problem: Identify a problem or research question.
• 2. Explicated Problem: Clarify and refine the problem statement.
• 3. Outline Artefact and Define Requirements: Create an outline and define requirements.
• 4. Design and Develop Artefact: Create the artefact based on the outline and requirements.
• 5. Demonstrate Artefact: Present the artefact to the audience.
• 6. Evaluate Artefact: Assess the effectiveness and quality of the artefact.
• - Example: Energy consumption in commercial buildings — from problem identification to an interactive dashboard with 3D models.
• - Group Work: Students can work in groups, use digital tools, and receive peer feedback.
• - Fig. 7.7: Process of creating artefacts.

Remember

• - 6 Steps:
• 1. Initial Problem.
• 2. Explicated Problem.
• 3. Outline and Requirements.
• 4. Design and Develop.
• 5. Demonstrate.
• 6. Evaluate.
• - Initial Problem = Identify the problem.
• - Explicated Problem = Refine the problem.
• - Outline = Define structure and requirements.
• - Design and Develop = Create the artefact.
• - Demonstrate = Present the artefact.
• - Evaluate = Assess and improve.
• - Fig. 7.7: Process of creating artefacts.

Common Mistakes

• 1. Skipping the problem definition — Without a clear problem, the artefact lacks direction.
• 2. Not refining the problem — A vague problem leads to a vague artefact.
• 3. Ignoring requirements — Requirements ensure the artefact meets the needs of the audience.
• 4. Not evaluating the artefact — Evaluation is essential for improvement.
• 5. Not presenting the artefact — Demonstration is an opportunity to communicate findings and receive feedback.
• 6. Working alone when collaboration is possible — Group work fosters teamwork and improves the final product.

Quick Revision

• Creating a Research Artefact: To reinforce the concepts learned, we can create a research artefact. For this project, we will select a research question of interest, apply advanced search techniques to locate credible information, organize findings, and use a digital tool to create an artefact that communicates the research.
• Process (Fig. 7.7):
• Group Work: Students can work in groups to collaboratively research different questions, gather data, and present their findings using tools such as Google Slides or Prezi. This allows them to practice using digital tools, while also fostering teamwork and collaboration.
• Peer Feedback: After completing the artefact, each group will present their work to the class, receiving peer feedback on the clarity, organization, and effectiveness of their presentation.
• Fig. 7.7: Shows the process of creating artefacts.

60-Second Revision

• 6 Steps:
• Initial Problem = Identify the problem.
• Explicated Problem = Refine the problem.
• Outline = Define structure and requirements.
• Design and Develop = Create the artefact.
• Demonstrate = Present the artefact.
• Evaluate = Assess and improve.
• Warning: Skipping the problem definition leads to a vague artefact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a research artefact? Answer: A research artefact is a digital product (e.g., report, presentation, website, video) that communicates research findings and conclusions. It is the final product of the research process.

• Initial Problem.
• Explicated Problem.
• Outline Artefact and Define Requirements.
• Design and Develop Artefact.
• Demonstrate Artefact.
• Evaluate Artefact.

Q3. What is the initial problem? Answer: The initial problem is the starting point of the research. It involves identifying a problem or research question, such as "How can we reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings?"

Q4. What is the explicated problem? Answer: The explicated problem is a clarified and refined version of the initial problem. It makes the problem more specific and focused, such as "What are the most effective strategies for reducing energy consumption in commercial office buildings in urban areas?"

Q5. What is the purpose of outlining the artefact and defining requirements? Answer: Outlining the artefact and defining requirements ensures that the artefact has a clear structure and meets the needs of the audience. It includes defining the content (e.g., introduction, literature review) and technical requirements (e.g., interactive elements, compatibility).

Q6. What happens in the design and development step? Answer: In the design and development step, the artefact is created based on the outline and requirements. This involves using appropriate tools (e.g., Power BI, SketchUp) to create the artefact.

• Q7. What happens in the demonstration step?
• Answer: In the demonstration step, the artefact is presented to the audience. This is an opportunity to communicate the research findings and receive feedback.

Q8. What happens in the evaluation step? Answer: In the evaluation step, the artefact is assessed for clarity, organization, and effectiveness. Areas for improvement are identified, which can lead to further refinement.

Q9. What is the role of group work in creating a research artefact? Answer: Group work allows students to collaboratively research different questions, gather data, and present their findings using digital tools. It fosters teamwork and collaboration, which are essential skills.

Q10. What is the role of peer feedback? Answer: Peer feedback helps students improve their artefact and presentation skills. After presenting, students receive feedback on clarity, organization, and effectiveness.

• Q11. What does Fig. 7.7 show?
• Answer: Fig. 7.7 shows the process of creating artefacts, from the initial problem to the evaluated artefact.

Q12. Why is the evaluation step important? Answer: The evaluation step is important because it helps identify areas for improvement. It ensures that the artefact is effective and meets the needs of the audience.

Practice Questions

Short Response Questions (SRQs)

• Define a research artefact and explain its purpose.
• List the six steps in creating a research artefact.
• What is the difference between the initial problem and the explicated problem?
• What is the purpose of outlining the artefact and defining requirements?
• Why is evaluation important in creating a research artefact?

Extended Response Questions (ERQs)

• Discuss the six steps in creating a research artefact in detail. Why is each step important?
• Explain the process of creating a research artefact using the example of energy consumption in commercial buildings. How does each step contribute to the final artefact?
• Analyze the role of group work and peer feedback in creating a research artefact. How do they improve the final product?
• You are tasked with creating a research artefact on the impact of social media on mental health. Describe how you would follow the six steps to create the artefact.
• Compare and contrast the six steps of creating a research artefact. Which step do you think is the most important, and why?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Q1. What is a research 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: A research artefact is a digital product that communicates research findings and conclusions.

• Q2. What is the first step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Initial Problem
• B. Explicated Problem
• C. Outline and Requirements
• D. Design and Develop
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The first step is the initial problem, where you identify a problem or research question.

• Q3. What is the second step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Explicated Problem
• B. Initial Problem
• C. Outline and Requirements
• D. Design and Develop
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The second step is the explicated problem, where you clarify and refine the problem statement.

• Q4. What is the third step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Outline Artefact and Define Requirements
• B. Initial Problem
• C. Explicated Problem
• D. Design and Develop
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The third step is outlining the artefact and defining requirements.

• Q5. What is the fourth step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Design and Develop Artefact
• B. Initial Problem
• C. Explicated Problem
• D. Outline and Requirements
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The fourth step is designing and developing the artefact.

• Q6. What is the fifth step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Demonstrate Artefact
• B. Initial Problem
• C. Explicated Problem
• D. Design and Develop
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The fifth step is demonstrating the artefact to the audience.

• Q7. What is the sixth step in creating a research artefact?
• A. Evaluate Artefact
• B. Initial Problem
• C. Explicated Problem
• D. Design and Develop
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The sixth step is evaluating the artefact.

• Q8. What is the purpose of the initial problem?
• A. To identify a problem or research question
• B. To evaluate the artefact
• C. To demonstrate the artefact
• D. To design the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The initial problem step involves identifying a problem or research question.

• Q9. What is the purpose of the explicated problem?
• A. To clarify and refine the problem statement
• B. To identify the problem
• C. To evaluate the artefact
• D. To design the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: The explicated problem step involves clarifying and refining the problem statement.

• Q10. What is the purpose of outlining the artefact and defining requirements?
• A. To create an outline and define what the artefact needs
• B. To identify the problem
• C. To evaluate the artefact
• D. To demonstrate the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Outlining the artefact and defining requirements involves creating an outline and defining what the artefact needs.

• Q11. What is the purpose of demonstrating the artefact?
• A. To present it to the audience
• B. To identify the problem
• C. To evaluate the artefact
• D. To design the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Demonstrating the artefact involves presenting it to the audience.

• Q12. What is the purpose of evaluating the artefact?
• A. To assess the effectiveness and quality of the artefact
• B. To identify the problem
• C. To design the artefact
• D. To demonstrate the artefact
• Correct Answer: A
• Explanation: Evaluating the artefact involves assessing its effectiveness and quality.