Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Mark O'Brien Semester 2: Mark O'Brien Autumn: Mark O'Brien
Module Teacher	Mark O'Brien
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

INACTIVE - This module is designed to teach students basic qualitative research methods in mass communication. It covers (a) basic concepts of communication research , (b) specific qualitative research methods such as qualitative interviewing, participant observation and focus group discussion. By means of lectures and research seminars, students are expected to be able to design and conduct a research project: gather qualitative data, interpret qualitative data; present research orally and in a written research report.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key qualitative methods in communication and media research.
2. Design a research project using specific qualitative methods.
3. Conduct a research project on a communications/media topic in collaboration with other students.
4. Apply research methods such as data gathering and analysis, interviewing, focus groups, participant observation.
5. Present research in a professional manner both orally and in written form.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	12	Introduction to the elments involved in the empirical research process
Seminars	12	Mentoring/advising students on development of research projects
Group work	56	Working with other members of the research team in conceptualising the project, data gathering and analysis
Library	20	Literature review for research project
Assignment	25	Preparation for oral presentation of research results and of written research report
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to research.
Overview of issues, theories and methodologies used in qualitative communication research.Designing a research project : process, elements and stages.Sample selection and rationale.Embedding research in the communications literature (Library information workshops)Data collection: rules of thumb (qualitative interviews,ethnography and focus group) Ethical issues in research.Analysing qualitative data.Presenting research findings and report writing..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Computerised test/exam	To test ability to access library resources on research topic	10%	Week 4
Presentation	Oral presentation by research groups of work in progress	20%	Week 10
Report (s) (written / oral)	Group report on research project	60%	Week 12
Report (s) (written / oral)	Short individual report on role in research project	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category

Indicative Reading List

Bell, J: 2005, Doing Your Research Project: a guide for first time researchers in education, health and social science, Open University Press,
Berger, A.: 2000, Media and Communication Research Methods:an introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California,
Deacon, D., M.Pickering, P. Golding, G. Murdock: 2007, Researching Communications: a practical guide to methods in media and cultural analysis, 2nd., Arnold, London,
Berger, A.A.: 1991, Media Research Techniques, Sage, London,
Hansen, A et al: 1998, Mass Communication Research Methods, Macmillan, Basingstoke,
Harvey, L and M. McDonald: 1993, Doing Sociology: A Practical Introduction, Macmillan, Basingstoke,
Hammersley, A. and P. Atkinson: 1983, Ethnography: Principles in Practice, Tavistock, London,
Lindloff, T, R.: 1995, Qualitative Communication Research Methods, Sage., London,

Other Resources

None

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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013Please note that this information is subject to change.

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.