Module Details

Module Code: EDUC8009
Title: Research Design
Long Title: Research Design
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Research in community based settings is important for community capacity building. This advanced module seeks to enable the learner to produce research which has relevance for both academic and non-academic communities. Some issues explored include the politics of research. Of particular concern, are ethical dilemmas which may arise in the research process and especially in the disclosure, dissemination and publication of research.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate core research concepts/terminology in the context of the learner's proposed project
LO2 Critique key methods and methodologies in the research process
LO3 Produce a theoretically and conceptually informed project proposal
LO4 Critially evaluate the ethical and political dimension to research and its implications for the researcher, particularly in the context of community based research
Dependencies
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).
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
 
Indicative Content
Research Design
Preparing a research question. Drawing on appropriate literature. Core methodological frameworks to inform the research process. Proposal writing. Using a proposal template.
Methodologies and Research Methods
Interpretative versus positivistic approaches. Merits of a quantitative methods. Survey research. Qualitative methods. Ethnography and participant observation. Interviews. Objectivity and subjectivity. The reflexive researcher.
Collaborative Research
Collaborative processes in research; challenges and opportunities; ‘member validation’; collaborative research in a community context.
Ethical Issues
Research dissemination and ethics; reflexivity in the research process: representation, authority and ‘voice’; the use of ‘experience’ in the research process - strengths and limitations.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Draft Research Proposal
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 80
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Research Proposal
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 University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Proposal Preparation Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Proposal Preparation Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • O'Dwyer, L.M. & Bernauer J.A.. (2014), Quantitative Research for the Qualitative Researcher, Sage, Thousand Oaks: California, p.328, [ISBN: 978-14129977].
  • Roller, M.R.. (2015), Qualitative Research Design: Selected Articles from Research Design Review, Roller Research, p.27, [ISBN: 1397814625157].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bryman, A.. (2004), Social Research Methods, 2nd. Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 978-019958805].
  • Creswell, J.W.. (2013), Qualitiative Inquiry and Research Design - Choosing Among Five Approaches, 3rd. Sage, Thousand Oaks: California, p.472, [ISBN: 978145222610].
  • Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y.S.. (2011), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research, Sage, Thousand Oaks: California, p.784, [ISBN: 978-141297417].
  • Hill-Collins, P.. (1990), Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment, Black Feminist Thought in the Matrix of Domination, Unwin Hyman, Boston, [ISBN: 978-041596472].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Bennett, F. (with Roberts, M.). (2004), From input to influence: Participatory approaches to research and inquiry into poverty, Research Skills, Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
  • Byrne, A. & Lentin, R.. (2000), (Re)searching Women: Feminist Research Methodologies in the Social Sciences in Ireland, Gender and Research, IPA, Dublin.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development 7 Mandatory