Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title Research Methods
Module Code LC310
School SALIS
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Heinz Lechleiter
Semester 2: Heinz Lechleiter
Autumn: Heinz Lechleiter
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module prepares students for their final year dissertation. Students plan and design individual research projects which will be undertaken in the second semester. Students also use Moodle actively to collaborate with fellow students and provide mutual assistance and support in planning and carrying out their individual research projects. Finally, students reflect on the research process and evaluate the learning context of this module.

Learning Outcomes
1. Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative methodologies
2. Design a research proposal
3. Appraise and relate to the role of ethical questions in research contexts
4. Create and critique a draft literature review
5. Reflect on and evaluate their engagement with the research process



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24lectures on research methods
Moodle discussion5Moodle posting of drafts and critiques
Lecturer-supervised learning (contact)3preparation for draft proposal
Independent learning75research for draft lit review
Library18research for lit review
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 module and Moodle use.
Outline of course including preliminary explanation of literature review and use of Moodle forums for the module.

qualitative and quantitative perspectives.
defining the two major perspectives on research and introducing notions of subjectivity and ethics issues.

Research methods.
Introducing a range of research methods for data gathering.

Analysing and presenting data.
presentation and practice of data analysis methods.

preparation of the draft research proposal.
Discussion of research proposal issues and implications. Refining a research question..

preparing the literature review.
in-depth outline of what a literature review entails and use of library resources.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)draft research proposal20%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)critique and refinement of research proposal20%n/a
Essaydraft literature review50%n/a
Reflective journalreflection on and evaluation of the research process10%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
  • Bell, Judith: 2005, Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science, Open University Press and McGraw Hill Education., Maidenhead,
  • Charmaz, Kathy: 2006, Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through Qualitative Analysis, Sage, London,
  • Cresswell, John: 2003, Research design, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, Sage, London,
  • Cresswell, John: 1998, Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five traditions, Sage, London,
  • Denscombe, Martin: 2005, The good research guide for small-scale research projects, Open University Press, Maidenhead,
  • Hammersley, Martyn and Atkinson, Paul: 2007, Ethnography: principles in practice, Routledge, London,
  • Israel, Mark and Hay, Iain: 2006, Research ethics for social scientists, Sage, London,
  • Neuman, Lawrence W: 2000, Social research methods: quantitative and qualitative approaches, Allyn and Bacon, London,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
CCSBA in Contemporary Culture and Society
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LC310
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