Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Research Methodology
Module Code	MG534
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This course provides students with theoretically informed guidance on the use of different research methods used in business and social science with the aim of preparing students for the process of writing a thesis for a higher degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize the theoretical foundations which form the basis of research
2. Design and develop a research question and proposal
3. Design and implement a sampling strategy to address a research objective
4. Evaluate and apply various qualitative research methods
5. Analyse qualitative data
6. Evaluate quantitative data
7. Write a thesis
8. Conduct a qualitative interview

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Assignment	15	Design research
Assignment	20	Reading preparation and writing of Assignment
Lecture	24	Research methods
Group work	15	Conduct research
Group work	8	Preparation for class
Directed learning	12	Reading and analysis for class
Library	10	Research and reading
Independent learning time	21	Reading
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

Planning and designing research.
We discuss the process of developing research questions within the context of the quantitative and qualitative research traditions..

Philosophy of research.
We examine the influence of philosophy on the research process and different ontological and epistemological positions..

Conducting research.
Over several lectures we critically examine the different methods for collecting data..

Data Analysis.
We discuss the issues which arise in data analysis: the role of theory and how to assess the quality of research.

Writing research.
Finally the process of writing research is analysed.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Practical/skills evaluation	Research Proposal	10%	Sem 1 End
Essay	Critique of research methods	40%	Sem 1 End
Practical/skills evaluation	Conduct research	50%	Week 8

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