RGU: RGU Module: Research Methods (BSM577)

Module Title
Research Methods

Keywords
Quantitative methods; qualitative methods; decision-making; research management.

Reference

BSM577

SCQF Level

SCQF 11

SCQF Points

ECTS Points

7.5

Created

August 2002

Approved

June 2012

Amended

June 2012

Revision No.

Prerequisites for Module

None in addition to course entry requirements or equivalent

Corequisite Modules

None.

Precluded Modules

None.

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 in professional development and practice.

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 professional practise, organisational decision making, and policy analysis.
2.	Demonstrate research skills of utility to professional practice.
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.
5.	Critically evaluate, where appropriate, the quality and value of research in professional practice.

Indicative Module Content

Research in a professional context, in support of planning, decision-making and policy analysis; the impact of research. Research principles (eg validity, reliability, generalisability); 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; ethics, consent and confidentiality issues.

Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours	Full Time	Part Time	Distance Learning
Assessment	11	11	11
Lectures	12	12	0
Tutorials/Seminars	24	24	2
Directed Study
Directed Study	50	50	117
Private Study
Private Study	53	53	20

Mode of Delivery

Lectures and talks, groupworks and seminars, practical exercises, tutorials and the preparation of a Research Proposal under supervision. For part-time distance learning students: the student is provided with a guided learning programme. The student is, accordingly, expected to take full responsibility for their own learning.

Assessment Plan

	Learning Outcomes Assessed
Coursework	1,2,3,4,5

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.

Indicative Bibliography

1.	BRYMAN, A. and BELL, E., 2011. Business research methods. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2.	CLOUGH, P. and NUTBROWN, C., 2012. A student's guide to methodology: justifying enquiry. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications.
3.	CRESWELL, J. W., 2009. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications.
4.	EASTERBY-SMITH, M. et al., 2008. Management research: an introduction. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications.
5.	SAUNDERS, M. et al., 2009. Research methods for business students. 5th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education. ebook