Module Title
Research process and critical evaluation
Keywords
Research proposal, methodology, statistics, analysis, evaluation, critical evaluation, ethics, project planning, experimental design |
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Prerequisites for Module
Acceptance onto a post graduate research degree programme (MSc/MPhil/PhD/Professional doctorate) or equivalent.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
The aim of this module is to enable the student to develop competence in the selection and application of appropriate research methods and the evaluation and communication of research within a specific discipline.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Discuss in depth and critique a range of research methods, including data or evidence gathering and analytical processes.
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| 2. |
Situate their research project in terms of existing methodological approaches.
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| 3. |
Select, adapt and (if necessary) develop and apply appropriate research methods.
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| 4. |
Demonstrate an ability to effectively plan a research project.
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| 5. |
Defend their research proposal.
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Indicative Module Content
Development of research questions/hypotheses, Literature searching, Ethical considerations, Explanation building, Making sense of method, Qualitatiive quantitative and mixed methods research, Statistics, Use of data handling and analysis software, Presentation skills, Project management,
Research governance, Close working between the supervisor and the module team will ensure that appropriate disciplinary content is developed.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Blended Learning | seminars/lectures/workshops/supervisory meetings
| 80 |
Directed Study
| | preparation of a research proposal
| 90 |
Private Study
| | Reading, information gathering
| 130 |
| Mode of Delivery
This module is situated in the second semester of stage 2 and is made up of a combination of teaching and learning methods. This includes lectures, seminars and workshops during the teaching week. You will also be required to supplement and demonstrate this learning by engaging with a variety of other training and supervision opportunities with your supervisor and members of the supervisory and/or module team.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,3,4
| | Component 2 | 5
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Oral defence of the research proposal
Assessment is based on the submission of a research proposal and an oral defence of the proposed study.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | Creswell JW (2012) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (3rd edn) Los Angeles: Sage
| | 2. | Creswell JW (2013) Research Design (International Student Edition): Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th edn) Los Angeles: Sage
| | 3. | Ritchie J, Lewis J, McNaughton Nicholls C, Ormston R (2014) Qualitative Research Practice: a guide for social science students and researchers (2nd edn) London: Sage
| | 4. | Walliman W (2016) Social Research Methods (2nd edn) London: Sage
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Additional Notes
The aims and learning outcomes of this module are to be interpreted by the student and the supervisor in the context of a particular field of research. In addition to the Indicative Bibliography, additional reading will be as directed by the Module Co-ordinator and/or the supervisor.
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