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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Research Methods
Reference	AC5005	Version	7
Created	April 2023	SCQF Level	SCQF 10
Approved	August 2008	SCQF Points	15
Amended	June 2023	ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigations and research.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Identify relevant and feasible research questions, applying critical theories where appropriate, in relation to an appropriate study topic, as agreed with the project supervisor(s).
2	Demonstrate research skills appropriate to architectural and built environment research study.
3	Demonstrate self-sustaining and cogent research management skills at an appropriate level.
4	Critically evaluate and apply research design and methodology for their chosen dissertation topic.

Indicative Module Content
Research in a professional context, in support of planning, decision making and policy analysis; the impact of research. Research principles (e.g. validity, reliability, generalisability); qualitative and quantitative approaches and rationale (e.g. case studies; action research; surveys; experimental and quasi-experimental design); and data collection techniques (e.g. questionnaire, observation and interview design). Data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation (e.g. data recording and preparation; the application of statistical techniques; coding, categorising and pattern seeking in qualitative data; tabulation and graphing). Research writing, publishing and dissemination. Research management; planning and organising a research project; identifying researchable issues; use of literature and libraries and ICT; time and task management; costing research; organising fieldwork and contacts; consent and confidentiality issues.

Indicative Module Content

Research in a professional context, in support of planning, decision making and policy analysis; the impact of research. Research principles (e.g. validity, reliability, generalisability); qualitative and quantitative approaches and rationale (e.g. case studies; action research; surveys; experimental and quasi-experimental design); and data collection techniques (e.g. questionnaire, observation and interview design). Data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation (e.g. data recording and preparation; the application of statistical techniques; coding, categorising and pattern seeking in qualitative data; tabulation and graphing). Research writing, publishing and dissemination. Research management; planning and organising a research project; identifying researchable issues; use of literature and libraries and ICT; time and task management; costing research; organising fieldwork and contacts; consent and confidentiality issues.

Module Delivery
The module is available for delivery through both face to face and blended learning modes via the Virtual Campus. Access to staff support will be available, either face to face or through online forums. The Full Time mode is based upon structured reading, formal lectures, tutorials / seminars and student centred problem solving. The blended learning delivery mode will be supported through case studies, online group activities and discussion forums.

Module Delivery

The module is available for delivery through both face to face and blended learning modes via the Virtual Campus. Access to staff support will be available, either face to face or through online forums. The Full Time mode is based upon structured reading, formal lectures, tutorials / seminars and student centred problem solving. The blended learning delivery mode will be supported through case studies, online group activities and discussion forums.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	36	36
Non-Contact Hours	114	114
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4
Description:	The coursework assignment will consist of a fully developed research proposal, which will provide a rationale for the choice of research topic, discuss the choice and validity of data gathering tools to be adopted, outline the research schedule for completing a project and discuss the significance of the chosen topic for the discipline as a whole.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 100% weighting of Component 1 (Coursework). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	A
B	B
C	C
D	D
E	E
F	F
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None, apart from course entry requirements.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Where appropriate, mixed discipline team working will be encouraged.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	CRESWELL, J. W. 1994. Research design, London: Sage Publications.
2	EASTERBY-SMITH, M. et al. 2012 Management research: an introduction, London: Sage.
3	NACHMIAS, C & NACHMIAS, D. 1996. Research Methods in the Social Sciences, 5th ed. Hodder & Stoughton.
4	GROAT, L.M. AND D. WANG, 2013, Architectural Research Methods, Wiley
5	CRESWELL, J. W. 2013. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches, sage publications.
6	Creswell J. W., Research design : qualitative, quantitative & mixed methods approaches, Sage 2018

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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