Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Research Design
Module Code	ES501
School	School of Education Studies
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Margaret Farren Semester 2: Margaret Farren Autumn: Margaret Farren
Module Teacher	Margaret Farren
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to basic research design. It aims to prepare participants for the construction of a research thesis at masters degree level. It aims to introduce students to a range of research methodologies and methods. The approach taken allows students to discuss and evaluate the social context in which they work and live and to explore opportunities for researching these contexts. This module provides a platform of knowledge that allows participants to tackle fieldwork using a variety of both traditional and innovative approaches. There are opportunities for discussions and learning activities throughout the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and construct a research proposal.
2. Critically engage with theory and literature in a chosen field of research.
3. Discuss the major philosophical and methodological approaches to research.
4. Justify sampling strategies, if appropriate.
5. Describe various research methods.
6. Communicate the research using an appropriate forms of representation.
7. Discuss the role of ethics in research.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Lecture time
Independent learning time	60	Reading
Assignment	58	Preparation of assignment
On-line learning	25	Research and forums
Group work	20	collaborative learning
Total Workload: 187

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..
What is researh and why do it..

Research question..
Construction of a research question..

Literature Review..
Understanding conceptualisation and constructing a review of literature.

Methodological approaches.
Practitioner research. Action research. Case Study. Mixed methods. Ethnography..

Qualitative and Quantitative data collection methods..
Survey, interview, focus groups, observation, visual communication methods..

Ethics in research.
Issues around ethics. Ethics documentation..

Introduction to data analysis and argument.
Quantitative and Qualitative Data analysis..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Project	Construct a research proposal.	100%	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 1

Indicative Reading List

Cohen, L. and Manion, L.: 2007, Research Methods in Education, Routledge,
Creswell, J.: 2007, Designing and conducting mixed methods research, SAGE Publications,
Farren, M., Whitehead, J., and Bognar, B.: 2011, Action Research in the Educational Workplace, Academica Press,
Whitehead, J. and McNiff, J.: 0, Action Research: Living Theory, Sage Publications.,
Quinlan, C.: 2011, Business Research Methods, Cengage Learning EMEA,
McNiff, J. and Whitehead, J.: 0, Doing and Writing Action Research, Sage Publications.,
Silverman, David (2000, 2005): 0, Doing Qualitative Research. California: Sage.,
Yin, Robert K.: 2008, Case study research : design and methods, Sage Publications,
Schutt, Russell K., (2006): 0, Investigating the Social World: The process and practice of research. California: Sage.,
Rose, Gillian (2001): 0, Visual Methodologies: An introduction to the interpretation of visual matter. London: Sage.,
Hine, Christine (2000): 0, Virtual Ethnography. London: Sage.,
Wolcott, H.: 2008, Ethnography: A Way of Seeing, AltaMira Press,
Wolcott, H.: 2009, Writing Up Qualitative Research, Sage Publications.,
Habermas, J.: 1979, Communication & Evolution, Beacon Press,