Module Details

Module Code: MMED9013
Title: Research Methods and Practice
Long Title: Research Methods and Practice
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module offers students the opportunity to engage with and implement a range of important traditional and emerging research styles, types and methods. Other topics addressed include the nature of enquiry and research in general, research design issues, data analysis, academic writing and issues regarding ethics in research.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate a range of research design methods and issues, including digital and non-digital sources, the formulation of appropriate research questions, and the assurance of research validity and reliability
LO2 Apply appropriate research and data gathering methods to a wide range of research tasks and questions
LO3 Analyse and critically reflect on the analysis of qualitative data
LO4 Conform to standards of academic research and integrity and ethical research standards, including those of fair use, informed consent and acknowledgement of all sources and contributors
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
The Nature of Enquiry
The nature of enquiry and research in general, positivist v.s naturalistic approaches
Research Design
Research design issues: managing research, sampling issues, managing key criteria such as validity and reliability
Research types and methods
Key research types and styles (e.g. case studies, surveys, ethnography, experimental design, ex post facto research, digital resources etc) and data gathering methods (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation etc)
Data Analysis
Quantitative and qualitative data analysis; analysing questionnaire, interview, focus groups, observation data; quantitative and qualitative data analysis software; the process of transformation, interpretation, and presentation of data.
Ethics in Research
Ethics in research: academic honesty and integrity, fair use, informed consent, the acknowledgement of all sources, contributors and collaborators
Academic Writing and Publishing
Referencing, academic vs other kinds of writing; characteristics and standards of academic writing; academic publishing and review, types of academic publications, types of academic papers and articles.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Written Report: Draw up a research plan/proposal for chosen field of inquiry.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Conduct, code, and transcribe a semi-structured interview.
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 Traditional lecture format with discussion and other activities based around re key topics and issues arising. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Range of readings, and formative assessment tasks Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes and Malcolm Tight. (2010), How to research, 4th. Open University Press, Berkshire, [ISBN: 978033523869].
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion and Keith Morrison. (2013), Research methods in education, 7th. Routledge, [ISBN: 9781135722036].
  • Jennifer Mason. (2002), Qualitative researching, Sage Publications, [ISBN: 0761974288].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Martyn Denscombe. (2014), The good research guide, Open University Press, Milton Keynes, [ISBN: 0335264700].
  • Martin Brett Davies. Doing a Successful Research Project, Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 1403993793].
  • Clark Moustakas. (1994), Phenomenological research methods, Sage, Thousand Oaks, Calif., [ISBN: 0803957998].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HJDCC_9 Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Content Creation 1 Mandatory
CR_GMUSC_9 Master of Arts in Music (Taught) 1 Elective
CR_BPRNM_9 Master of Arts in Public Relations with New Media 1 Mandatory