Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Sample Research Log
The extracts that follow are examples of how candidates should document their research process from start to finish. Centres are not required
to send more evidence than the examples provided below, but are advised to send a range of extracts of the log which document the
beginning, mid-point and end of the research process.
Our comments on the candidate’s work are written in bold throughout this document.
Choice and development of question
The topic “Sustainable Futures” was chosen because it is my area of interest and I am influenced by the scale of work that is being dedicated
towards sustainable options. I spent my summer 2014 in Scotland and London where I saw signboards emphasising the need for conservation
and recycling. The products sold in stores too highlighted the sustainable sources that had been used in their production. Moreover, I was an
Environmental Management student in O levels and studying the course over three years raised my awareness and inquiry about sustainability.
The main reason I took Global Perspectives and Research in A levels is because I had the opportunity to explore in depth my particular field of
concern and write a research report on it. My research question evolved throughout the research process from, “Can our vision for a
sustainable future become a reality,” to become a more specific one; “Is investment in renewable energy the best strategy for a sustainable
future?” that was based on the feedback I received from Cambridge on my OPF form and the discussion I had with my tutor. The question is
based on analysing and evaluating the different ways in working towards a greener world and contrasts it with the potential of investment in
renewable energy. The question on its own might apparently seem simple but it compels us to define what sustainability really is and debate on
the variety of options present to us in the form of conservation technology, changing energy policy, reducing population growth and embarking
on GM technology. The perspectives will be about views of the best strategy and the relative importance of investment in renewable energy.
The candidate has proved an explanation for why they chose the topic and how the original question evolved in light of the feedback
they received from the teacher, which demonstrates reflective thinking. It is helpful to see how the candidate arrived at the final
research question and what they expect the various perspectives will be on the issue.
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
Dismantle the meaning of (From the Internet) The source provided key definition of sustainable
sustainability and identify the Accessed: 2 times development in explicit language. I felt that it was important
Date reasons put forward to pursue Website of International to retrieve the definition from an organisation that
XX/XX/XX the concept of sustainability Institute for Sustainable researched and worked on the idea of sustainability.
Development
The article focused on unravelling the different perspectives
Accessed: 3 times regarding sustainability. It also debated on the potential
Article from the Center for challenges that are obstacles to a sustainable future.
Humans and Nature
After I read social injustice as one of the causes of
Accessed: 2 times unsustainability, I researched on the inequality that prevails
The Guardian: “New and found that this statistic was a strong evidence to
Oxfam report says half of support the cause. The article highlighted the growing gap
global wealth held by the of income disparity and served as an alarming indicator of
1%” future global problems. I do need to look at other evidence
to corroborate or challenge this idea as Oxfam is concerned
more global poverty and the report does not define ‘global
wealth’ or indicate the details of the scope and method of
the research
Date Gain in depth knowledge of (From the Internet) The talks introduced me to new concepts of sustainability
XX/XX/XX how various people view Accessed: 6 times like Biomimicry by Michael Anderson. Ray Anderson was
sustainability and how it can be TED talks by the an inspirational example of how people wedded to
achieved and why is it crucial following people: unsustainable activities can switch to a greener future. Will
• Michael Pawlyn Potter on the other hand presented shocking evidence of
• Ray Anderson how multinationals are carrying out their own agenda and
• Will Potter how laws are smartly being used to dismiss the voices
• Alex Steffen speaking for sustainability. Alex Steffen focused on
population growth and the need for city planning. The talks
add great weightage to the research as they depict scenes
from real life. However, it will be important to look at the
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
counterview. Even if I dismiss it, I will look at some
evidence from multinational websites
Analyse the significance of (From the Internet) The article explained the equation in detail and is credible
Paul Ehrlich’s equation used by Accessed: 4 times as it is published by Paul Ehrlich himself. It gave his
Date Ray Anderson in TEDtalks Article of Yale perspective on sustainability and why he believes that it is
XX/XX/XX Environment360 necessary. It also verified the equation used by Sir Ray
Anderson during the TED talk that was watched previously.
Increasing knowledge about
the efforts being dedicated The data provided progress towards sustainable
towards sustainability and (Discovered various development in different years. The stories present vital
analysing how far have they sustainability measures breakthroughs and the perspectives of people regarding a
been effective already taken from 3-4 cleaner future. The stories include success of the
Reader’s Digests I had at TerraCycle Company, discovery of resilient crops to fight
Date home) climate change and determination of communities to tackle
XX/XX/XX Accessed: 4 times problems of garbage. The digests also raised concern for
Reading diverse success sustainability by using statistics and predictions of the IPCC
stories from Reader’s on climate change. The data highlights optimism in
Digest of sustainable sustainability. Target: check the original references of the
development in themes of articles summarized in Readers Digest.
economics, science and
technology
Date Gain access to information that (From the Internet) The source highlighted how sustainability has its roots in
XX/XX/XX organisations like UNESCO, Accessed:4 times elements of good governance, understanding of cultural
World Bank have regarding Website of World Watch biodiversity and resolving local issues. Case of Ethiopia
sustainability and analyse them Institute benefiting from investment in renewable energy was
in respect to what still needs to valuable. Target: Research origin of the World Watch
be achieved. Other sources Accessed: 2 times Institute to ensure that I evaluate this. Find corroboration.
demonstrated role of the state Website of UNESCO
in achieving sustainability The source commented on key issues of malnutrition,
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
poverty and the need to instill the concept of sustainability
Accessed: 3 times through education.
Website of World Bank
It provided an example to counter argue that although
China’s growth is a threat to sustainability, it is also
Accessed: 6 times changing course by highlighting its leadership in imposing
Pessimism of Intellect «or carbon tax on businesses.
»Optimism of Will«?
Sustainable Development
Gain access to information that and the Role of the State The report was used to gain data about other measures
organisations like UNESCO, (Literature Review) that are taken by states to embark on sustainable
World Bank have regarding development. Investment in nuclear power was selected as
sustainability and analyse them one of the strategies and evidence was used to support the
in respect to what still needs to increasing use of nuclear power by certain states. Other
be achieved. Other sources measures like ethanol production to be used as fuel is also
demonstrated role of the state being used by states like Brazil to reduce their carbon
in achieving sustainability emissions.
Date (O level Course Book at
XX/XX/XX home)
Accessed: 1 time A counter argument for using nuclear energy was used by
ENVIRONMENTAL extracting evidence of the dangers of nuclear power. The
(continued MANAGEMENT by John evidence of Chernobyl disaster in 1986 was selected.
part of prior Pallister
research) Endorsed by University of
Cambridge International
Examinations
Chapter 1: The
Lithosphere
Are we the friends of the
Earth?
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
From the Internet) The case study was used as a success story and used to
Accessed: 6 times indicate that collaboration of the public and the state could
Planning for a Sustainable accelerate the path to sustainable development. The story
Future of Alabama involved successful recycling of waste
A Guide for Local vegetable oil from restaurants and homes and minimised
Governments fuel expenditure. This should be made clear when using it
Transportation Case as evidence
Study: Gadsden, Alabama
(Literature Review)
Date Collecting further evidence that (From the Internet) The articles contained the moving trend towards
XX/XX/XX sustainability is a realistic Accessed: 3 times sustainability and firms are being questioned on their
possibility Articles from website of sources of products. One of the article also identified
ensia aviation is the key to reducing carbon emissions.
Accessed: 2 times The source provides a real life example of sustainable
Example of green architecture in the form of the Beddington Zero Energy in
architecture from London. It is evidence to the fact that more of such
Inhabitat’s website buildings can be built.
Date Measure the rate of (From the Internet) The data highlight the threat to the world from China’s
XX/XX/XX developments in sustainability Accessed: 3 times economic growth. It indicates to the need to shift to
with the pace of unsustainable Website of Forbes sustainable growth is evidence to the fact that fossil fuels
activities and analyse and are still being burnt. It can be typically the case in
evaluate whether their impacts developing countries that justify their use with the progress
can be reduced in time. The of developed countries at the expense of nature.
aim is also to assess whether
steps taken for sustainability Accessed: 2 times The data indicates that carbon dioxide is not the sole
are completely reliable. Earth Island Journal concern but methane gas is far more damaging to the
mechanism of the planet. The data about methane as a
greenhouse gas served to suggest that the problem of
Accessed: 2 times global warming could also be tackled through removal of
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
LandLearn NSW other sources. However, it must not be forgotten that
Supporting environmental carbon emissions are the main driver of drastic changes
education like climate change.
Research: Managing
methane emissions
The source provided ways of reducing methane emissions
Accessed: 4 times through increasing livestock productivity, changing their
Website of Vox diets and genetically improving cattle.
The information highlights the energy crisis in the world and
its impact on various countries of the world. The fact that
Accessed: 2 times there are still reserves remaining and there are countries
Website of Scientific whose interests are tied with oil, it is hard to see the vision
American of sustainability being turned into a reality.
The data provides evidence that the planet is becoming
increasingly unstable with impacts of climate change. The
Date Gain a national perspective Accessed: 3 times source also mentions the geopolitical race for oil as
XX/XX/XX regarding sustainability that The World Post countries seek to exploit the situation of climate change. All
demonstrates Pakistan’s Article of information lends increasing support to the view that
achievements and also reflect sustainability might not be achieved.
upon the obstacles we still (From the Internet)
face. Accessed: 2 times It illustrates the impact of using GM crops in India. It lends
Website of [Link] support to the view that they may not be the right choice
despite claims about their higher yields. Moreover, it can
also be seen as a way multinationals are developing
monopolies rather than any real concern for sustainability of
such states.
The data paints an alarming picture of what the future can
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
Date Task Sources Evaluative comments
(From the Internet) be like if China and India continue their dependence on oil.
Accessed: 2 times Their huge consumption capacities serve to highlight how
Article from THE NATION vital it is for these developing countries to lead the change
towards sustainability.
Accessed: 2 times The data indicates the impacts of climate change in
Website of Triple Bottom Pakistan that is specific to my country. It is hard to see
Line countries like Pakistan that are economically and politically
unstable will be able to fight for sustainability.
The example of Engro Chemical Limited winning the best
sustainability award is evidence to the fact that even in
Pakistan much work can be dedicated towards
sustainability.
Contacting any expert in (Emails through Hotmail) His solution to sustainability was preventing over
sustainability to gain his Accessed: 15 times population. His argument led me to view the solution from a
Date perspectives and evaluate Joan M. Diamond different perspective. His view was that birth control should
XX/XX/XX them as part of my primary Executive Director not be imposed but instead implemented through provision
research .I realised that would Millennium Alliance for of incentives to those who were willing to participate. His
be using Professor Paul R. Humanity and the response also changed my perspective of viewing
Ehrlich equation in my report Biosphere (MAHB) population control as a negative measure and gave me the
as it combined the components opportunity to view measures from a positive perspective.
of technology, population
growth and affluence. Hence, I
emailed him using his contact
from the internet. However, as
he was busy at the time he
directed me to contact his
assistant Joan M. Diamond.
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Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239)
Component 4: Cambridge Research Report - Sample Research Log
It is useful to see how the candidate’s evaluative thinking develops throughout the research process. Even the early stages of the
research log show an awareness that evidence will have to be assessed and evaluated in relation to other sources of evidence, for
example comparing how various countries contribute to sustainability and their differing approaches. There is a strong and varied
range of sources consulted and there is clear continuity between the original idea and the development of this initial idea throughout
the research process through garnering further evidence, challenging the perspectives and reflecting consistently on the issues that
arise. The use of various types of evidence is also impressive, including email correspondence with experts from the field, case
studies, articles and literature.
The assessment of the research log does not assess the information and evaluation of evidence in the log, or the quality of the
sources mentioned or arguments referred to, but whether the log has been maintained consistently through the research and has
helped the candidate to develop their thinking. In this case, the research log has clearly be maintained throughout the research
process, it contains evidence of an iterative process of evaluating various forms of evidence and it is a helpful working document
demonstrates the development of the candidates ideas.