Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Research Design
Module Code	ES548
School	School of Education Studies
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Majella McSharry Semester 2: Majella McSharry Autumn: Majella McSharry
Module Teacher	Majella McSharry
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	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 students 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 tradition and innovative approaches. Students are expected to attend lectures, contribute to discussions and activities and complete assessments

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and construct a research dissertation
2. Critically engage with theory and literature in a chosen field of research
3. Justify sampling strategies
4. Compare and contrast philosophical and methodological approaches to research
5. Describe various research methods
6. Discuss the role of quality control and ethics in research

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	25	Lecture time
Independent learning time	50	Reading
Assignment	50	Preparation of assignment
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

Examine research design, structure and guidelines.
Understanding conceptualisation and constructing a review of literature.

Quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview, focus groups, content analysis, observation, visual communication) methods.
Methodological approaches (ethnography, phenomonology, case study, mixed methods, action research).

Quality control and ethics in research.
Research analysis and arguement.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	Write a research proposal for a research topic of choice including the research question, research rationale, arguments in associated literature, sampling strategy, philosophical and/or methodological approach, research methods and issues of quality control and ethics	100%	n/a

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

Schutt, Russell K., (2006), Investigating the Social World: The process and practice of research. California: Sage.: 0, -,
Bell, Judith (1987, 1993, 2005), Doing your research project. Maidenhead: Open University Press.: 0, -,
Creswell, John W (2003), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. California: Sage.: 0, -,
O'Leary, Zina (2004), The Essential Guide to Doing Research. London: Thousand Oakes: 0, -,
Mason, Jennifer (2002), Qualitative Researching. London: Sage Publications: 0, -,
Silverman, David (2000, 2005), Doing Qualitative Research. California: Sage.: 0, -,
Burgess, Robert G (1984, 1990), In the Field: An Introduction to Field Research. London: Falmer Press.: 0, -,
Seale, Clive (1999), The Quality of Qualitative Research. London: Thousand Oakes: 0, -,
Lincoln and Guba (1985), Naturalistic Inquiry. California: Sage Publications: 0, -,
Marshall and Rossman (1995, 1999, 2006), Designing Qualitative Research. California: Sage Publications: 0, -,
Rose, Gillian (2001), Visual Methodologies: An introduction to the interpretation of visual mater. London: Sage.: 0, -,
Hine, Christine (2000), Virtual Ethnography. London: Sage: 0, -,