Module Details

Module Code: PLAC7007
Title: Research Preparation
Long Title: Research Preparation
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 0111 - Placement
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The key aim of this research module is to support the student in the application of core research skills to the identification of a relevant research question and to the selection of research approaches and methods in a community context. The module seeks to equip students with the advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the key debates that underpin sociological research and provide a basis for more advanced community research work.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Display an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the key debates that underpin community research.
LO2 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of diverse research methods and their application to research.
LO3 Select from the diversity of theoretical and methodological approaches a suitable approach to researching an identified research question in the community.
LO4 Produce a range of frameworks for critiquing a body of literature.
LO5 Apply a reflective approach to the research process.
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
Review of the Research Process
Research concepts; the research topic, the research question and its formulation; literature review; research approaches and methods; the literature review.
Methods and Methodology
Emancipatory research; feminist research, dialogical interviewing, interpretative, positivistic approaches, reflexivity in the research process.
Identifying a Research Question
Identifying a research question; reviewing the literature; practical versus abstract knowledge; hypothesis testing or generating. Constructing variables; developing a methodology.
Thesis Writing
The format of thesis writing; report construction, identifying the various components of a report. Adopting an appropriate register; presentation of quantitative findings, presentation of interview material.
Ethics
Research ethics; feminist research ethics; ethical research and 'vulnerable' communities.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,5
Assessment Description
A critique of the key debates underpinning community research
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
A critical analysis of core research papers
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Literature review
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 Preparation of project specifications 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
Directed Learning Non Contact Preparation of project specifications 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
  • Eileen Kane and Mary O’Reilly-deBrún. (2001), Doing Your Own Research: In the Field and on the Net, Boyan Press, London, [ISBN: 0714530433].
  • Fabb, N. and Durant, A.. (1993), How to Write Essays, Dissertations and Theses, Longman, London, [ISBN: 10:0582089778].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bell, J.. (1991), Doing Your Own Research: A Guide for First Time Researchers, 4th. Ch. 1 - 4, Open University, McGraw-Hill, p.267, [ISBN: 033521504].
  • Bulmer, M., Bales, K. and Sklar, K.K. (eds). (1991), The Social Survey in Historical Perspective 1880-1940, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 10: 0521363349/ISBN-13: 978-0521363341].
  • Cooke, I. and Shaw, M.. (1997), Radical Community Work. Perspectives from Practice, Moray House, Edinburgh, [ISBN: 10: 0901580813/ISBN-13: 978-0901580818].
  • Creswell, J.W. (2013), Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design - Choosing Among Five Approaches, 3rd. Sage, Thousand Oaks, California, [ISBN: 9781412995311].
  • Dunsmuir, L. (1991), How to Do Social Research, Collins Educational, London, [ISBN: 10: 000322242X/ISBN-13: 978-0003222425].
  • Everett, A. and Gibson, A.. (2010), Making it Work: Researching in the Voluntary Sector, The Association for Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector, [ISBN: 10: 0907203167/ISBN-13: 978-0907203162].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Bryman, A. (1988), The debate about qualitative and quantitative research: A question of method or epistemology?, British Journal of Sociology, 33, p.75-92.
  • Fawcett, L.. (2007), The Recruitment of Women to Local Politics in Ireland: A Case Study, Irish Political Studies, Vol. 7.
  • Kenny, M., McNeely, E., Shevlin, M., Daly, T. (2000), Hidden Voices: Young people with disability speak about their second level schooling, South West Regional Authority.
  • Mulcahy, M.. (2002), Ballyphehane Community Project, Combat Poverty Publications.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development 5 Mandatory