Assessment 1: Research Essay Assessment Information

Submission Format:

• Word document

• 12-point font

• Double-spaced

• Submit via Research Essay Submission link on course Moodle page

Referencing Style:
Harvard in-text referencing system (or similar)

Results:
Students will receive written feedback, a grade for each marking-rubric criterion, and a mark out of 100 approximately two weeks after submission (for on-time submissions).

Assessment Overview

Students are required to prepare a research essay based on one of the essay questions listed below.

A research essay is an academic piece of writing that:

• presents an interpretation or evaluation of a topic or question

• is based on scholarly research

• allows for in-depth analysis, interpretation, and argument

• explores theoretical issues and real-world examples

This assessment allows you to:

• develop critical thinking

• analyse the relationship between crime, politics, and the media

• apply course theories to contemporary contexts

• evaluate media portrayals and social impact

Assessment Details

This assessment provides an opportunity to articulate critical thinking through an in-depth research essay. By engaging with course concepts, themes, and theories, and applying them to real-world examples, students will be able to:

• analyse how crime is portrayed in the media

• understand political narratives surrounding crime

• reflect on social and policy impacts

Students must choose ONE of the following research essay options:

Option 1: Youth Crime Laws and Media Framing

Analyse:

a) how youth crime issues have been framed by politicians and the media in Australia
b) potential consequences of these framings for:

• public perception

• policy development

Use:

• recent news articles

• political discourse

• theories and concepts from the course

Context includes:

• Northern Territory reversal of youth criminal age to 10 years

• Queensland’s Making Queensland Safer Laws

• “Adult Crime, Adult Time” legislation

Option 2: True Crime Media and Ethics

Compare and contrast two recent true-crime media examples (e.g., podcasts, streaming content).

Discuss:

a) implications for:

• victim-survivors

• the accused

• audiences

b) whether ethical true-crime content is possible

Provide:

• ethical criteria

• academic perspectives

• relevant course theories

Option 3: Media Representation of Marginalised Victims

Drawing on Larissa Behrendt’s observation:

Examine:

a) how media framing shapes perceptions of victims
b) implications for marginalised communities, especially First Nations people
c) strategies for equitable and accurate representation

Use:

• academic research

• course concepts and theories

Option 4: Media Violence, Regulation, and Policy Measures

Discuss government measures relating to:

• social media access for young people

• “boasting and posting” legislation

• regulation of violent and extremist media content

Critically examine:

a) arguments around media effects and violence
b) potential effectiveness and broader implications of these measures

Use:

• academic studies

• course theories

• policy debates

Option 5: Victim-Survivor Social Movements and Media Narratives

Using two specific movement-based examples (e.g., #MeToo, #SayTheirName):

Discuss:

a) how movements challenge traditional victim narratives
b) implications for:

• victim-survivors

• the media

• the public

c) strategies to support movement impact

Draw on:

• academic research

• activist perspectives

• course concepts

Option 6: Develop Your Own Research Question

Students may develop their own topic in consultation with the Course Convenor.

Approval must be obtained well before the due date.

Research Essay Expectations

Essays must demonstrate:

• engagement with course themes, lectures, tutorials, and readings

• ability to construct a persuasive argument

• strong academic research

• analysis rather than description

Students must:

• use scholarly criminological and disciplinary literature

• include additional academic research beyond course readings

Media sources may be used as supporting examples.

Assessment is based on:

• breadth of research

• clarity and originality of argument

• strength of evidence

Guidelines for Writing a Strong Research Essay

To produce a high-quality essay, students should:

• Clearly state the essay question and argument in the introduction

• Outline structure and approach

• Use signposting and logical progression

• Provide persuasive evidence-based analysis

• Ground arguments in relevant theory

• Go beyond description to critical interpretation

Brief Summary of the Assessment Requirements

This assessment requires students to prepare a 2200-word research essay based on one of the provided topic options relating to crime, politics, and the media. The essay must:

• Present a clear interpretation or evaluation of the chosen topic

• Be grounded in scholarly academic research

• Demonstrate critical analysis, not just description

• Apply relevant course concepts, theories, and frameworks

• Incorporate examples from:

  • media reporting

  • political discourse

  • real-world case contexts

Students must:

• Select ONE research essay option

• Research widely beyond course readings

• Structure arguments logically

• Use Harvard in-text referencing

• Submit a Word document in the required format

Assessment criteria focus on:

• Breadth and quality of academic research

• Clarity and originality of argument

• Depth of analytical insight

• Application of theory to evidence

• Overall coherence and scholarly presentation

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student 

The Academic Mentor supported the student through a structured, scaffolded writing process to ensure the essay was:

• research-driven

• theoretically grounded

• critically analytical

• aligned with assessment expectations

Below is an overview of how each section was approached.

Step 1 Understanding the Task & Selecting the Essay Option

The mentor first helped the student:

• interpret the assessment brief

• understand the purpose of a research essay

• review all six topic options carefully

The student was guided to choose a topic based on:

• relevance to personal interest

• scope for strong theoretical discussion

• availability of credible research literature

The mentor emphasised:

• avoiding descriptive writing

• prioritising argument-based analysis

• identifying a clear essay direction early

Outcome from this stage:

Get This Research Essay Sample 

This research essay solution is available for you to review, understand, and use as a reference guide while preparing your own assignment. Downloading the sample can help you learn how to structure arguments, apply course theories, and develop strong academic writing skills.

However, please remember submitting this sample as your own work may lead to plagiarism penalties. Universities have strict policies, and academic integrity is important for your grades and future learning. This sample is strictly meant for study, guidance, and research reference only.

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