| Title: | Research Methodology |
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| Long Title: | Research Methodology |
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| Field of Study: |
Education Studies
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| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 ) |
| Next Review Date: |
November 2021 |
| Module Coordinator: |
Mary Galvin |
| Module Author: |
Paddy Anderson |
| Module Description: |
The key aim of this introductory research module is to provide the student with core research skills: to critically evaluate research in the context of the main research approaches and methods used in the social sciences and community work, and to introduce the student to the politico-ethical dimension to research, particularly where it relates to ‘vulnerable’ communities. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| LO1 |
Describe key research concepts |
| LO2 |
Critically interpret and analyse published research |
| LO3 |
Describe the diversity of theoretical and methodological approaches to research and identify the methodological underpinnings of particular research |
| LO4 |
Chart the steps involved in formulating a research question and constructing a research project |
| LO5 |
Discuss how community needs can be researched in an ethical and sensitive way |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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| 14095 |
EDUC6007 |
Research Methodology |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
|
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
|
Research Concepts
Key research concepts: qualitative, quantitative, primary, secondary, sample, empirical, literature review. Epistemology, positivism, interpretative, ethnography
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Research Components
Identifying the main components of a piece of research; the structure of the research report; the research abstract. Research design, types of data, primary and secondary data. The role of a literature review.
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Research Methods
Research approaches and methods; quantitative versus qualitative methods; surveys, questionnaires, interviews, participant observation; positivism and interpretive
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The Research Question
Identifying a research question; reviewing the literature; practical versus abstract knowledge; hypothesis testing or generating. Constructing variables; developing a methodology.
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Ethics
Research Ethics; the role of research; research and policy; ownership issues; confidentiality, the relationship between the researcher and the research; emancipatory; researching vulnerable communities
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Course Work |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Short Answer Questions |
In Class Test (Core concepts) |
1 |
10.0 |
Week 6 |
| Open-book Examination |
Comprehension |
2,3,4 |
30.0 |
Sem End |
| Essay |
Critical review of select literature |
2,3,4,5 |
60.0 |
Sem End |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
| Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
|
The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Lecture/Workshop |
4.0 |
Every Week |
4.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Development and progression of a research question |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Lecture/Workshop |
4.0 |
Every Week |
4.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Development and Progression of a Research Question |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
Module Resources
| Recommended Book Resources |
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- Patrick White 2017, Developing Research Questions, 2nd Ed., Parts 1 - 5, MacMillan London & New York [ISBN: 9781137490476]
- Creswell, J.W., Poth, C.N. 2017, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design - Choosing Among Five Approaches, 4th Ed., Sage [ISBN: 97850633020]
- Eileen Kane and Mary O’Reilly de Brun 2001, Doing Your Own Research, 2nd Ed., 1 and 2, Marion Boyars Publishers London [ISBN: 9780714530437]
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
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- Bulmer, M., Bales, K. and Sklar, K. (eds) 2011, The Social Survey in Historical Perspective 1880-1940., 1st Ed., 1 and 2, Cambridge University Press Cambridge [ISBN: 978052118878]
- Williams, L., Dunsmuir, A. 1990, How to do Social Research, 1st Ed., 1, 2 & 3, Collins Educational London [ISBN: 9780003222425]
- Yin, R. 2018, Case Study Research and Appllcations, Design and Methods, 6th Ed., Sage [ISBN: 978150633616]
| | Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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- Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research 2019, Developing Your Research Question, Press Books - Ohio State University, 2019, 3
- George Mason University Writing Centre 2008, Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question, Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2008). How to write a research question., 2008, 1
- National Women’s Council 2003, Knowledge is Power: Women and Education., Report of the NWCI Millennium project, 2003
- Everett, A. and Gibson, A 1995, Making it work: Researching in the Voluntary Sector, The association for research in the Voluntary and Community sector
| | Supplementary Article/Paper Resources |
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- Rudd, J. 1990, Studying Your Local Area: A Guide to Information Sources, Combat Poverty Agency
| | Other Resources |
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- Website: Central Statistics Office (CSO) 2019, Central Statistics Office, CSO, Dublin
- Website: Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) 2019, ESRI, ESRI, Dublin
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Module Delivered in
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