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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Research Methods
Reference	AC5200	Version	1
Created	February 2022	SCQF Level	SCQF 10
Approved	November 2022	SCQF Points	15
Amended		ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies, methods and techniques for the purpose of conducting robust, reliable, valid, and ethical academic research.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods and skills, and ethical considerations, relevant to the discipline of architecture.
2	Analyse and critically evaluate the implications of using a range of established research methodologies in defined scenarios.
3	Identify relevant research questions of feasible scope in relation to the discipline of architecture, which have some bearing on the thematic interests of their studio unit.
4	Formulate and justify a suitable research design and methodology for the individual's 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 (eg. theories, validity, reliability, generalisability, research ethics); qualitative and quantitative approaches and rationale (eg case studies; action research; surveys; experimental and quasi-experimental design); and data collection techniques (eg. questionnaire, observation and interview design). Data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation (eg. 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. Communication of research, in relation to wide audiences.

Indicative Module Content

Research in a professional context, in support of planning, decision making and policy analysis; the impact of research. Research principles (eg. theories, validity, reliability, generalisability, research ethics); qualitative and quantitative approaches and rationale (eg case studies; action research; surveys; experimental and quasi-experimental design); and data collection techniques (eg. questionnaire, observation and interview design). Data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation (eg. 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. Communication of research, in relation to wide audiences.

Module Delivery
This module shall be delivered Full Time with attendance. The Full-Time mode is based upon structured reading, formal lectures, tutorials and student-centred problem-solving. The delivery is based upon self-directed learning from web-based materials. Access to online support will be available. The delivery of this mode will be supported through case studies, group activities and discussion forums.

Module Delivery

This module shall be delivered Full Time with attendance. The Full-Time mode is based upon structured reading, formal lectures, tutorials and student-centred problem-solving. The delivery is based upon self-directed learning from web-based materials. Access to online support will be available. The delivery of this mode will be supported through case studies, group activities and discussion forums.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	36	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	114	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	N/A
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 evidence ability to determine and justify specific research methods in a given scenario, and design an appropriate and robust methodology for their developed dissertation proposal.

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.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	CRESWELL, J. W., 1994. Research design, London: Sage Publications.
2	EASTERBY-SMITH, M. et al. 1991 Management research: an introduction, London: Sage.
3	PREECE, R., 1994. Starting Research: An Introduction to Academic Research and Dissertation Writing, Pinter.
4	GROAT, L.M. AND D. WANG, 2013, Architectural Research Methods, Wiley
5	AKSAMIJLA, A. 2021. Research Methods for the Architectural Profession, Routledge

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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