Module Details

Module Code: SOCI8003
Title: Research Dissertation
Long Title: Research Dissertation
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module facilitates students to learn in-depth, the methodology of the social sciences, both theoretical and by way of applied research techniques. It contains laboratories and full lectures.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Combine the application of research theory and methods to a topic in the field of social care.
LO2 Prepared a research design to investigate the area of study.
LO3 Develop a literature review pertinent to the research topic chosen.
LO4 Construct a statement of research ethics suitable to the research study undertaken.
LO5 Construct research instruments (e.g survey, interview schedules etc) of a quantitative or qualitative nature to investigate the chosen research topic.
LO6 Undertake quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis (as appropriate) on data collected.
LO7 Compile a final research dissertation in written form.
LO8 Present and communicated the research topic selected using appropriate methods.
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
Supervision
Consideration of student research dissertation progress at weekly supervision sessions for one hour as part of a group of 3 students.
Secondary Research
Explanation on how to match specific policy and theories to the research being undertaken. Illustration on how to conduct data searches and how to collect a variety of literature sources.
Organization
Indication of how to organize and structure a completed piece of research. Explanation of how 'praxis' is a achieved within a research dissertation.
Ethics
Explanation of research ethics in an an applied social research context, with examples from fieldwork. Demonstrating a variety of ethical considerations that need to be examined by the student in conducting primary research at the outset.
Research Instruments
Evaluation of suitability of research methodology, including specific research instruments chosen, for the purpose of successfully completing the study of choice.
Research Process
Analysis of student progress in undertaking primary research on the topic chosen
Presenation
Examination of suitably-constructed student presentation.
Dissertation Submission
Facilitation of student submission of a final research dissertation. Advising on suitability of dissertation for submission.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 90
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Assessment Description
Each student will be required to complete a final dissertation which may include a synthesis of primary and secondary research or a detailed report, based fully on secondary data. The length of the dissertation shall not exceed 9,000 words.
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 8
Assessment Description
Each student will be required to present a 15 minute summary of their research to a set of examiners after the dissertation has been submitted.
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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Weekly supervision sessions with ongoing feedback Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent research Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Weekly supervision sessions with ongoing feedback Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent research Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bell, J & Waters, S. (2014), Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers, 6th edition. All, Open University Press, p.320, [ISBN: 0335264468].
  • Punch, K,F. (2013), Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, Sage, London, p.408, [ISBN: 1446240932].
  • Bryman, A. (2012), Social Research Methods, 5th edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, p.784, [ISBN: 10: 019968945].
  • Royse, D.. (2008), Research methods in social work, Thomson Brooks/ Cole, Belmont, CA, [ISBN: 9780495115663].
  • Smith Iltis, A.. Research ethics, Taylor & Francis, New York, [ISBN: 9780415472975].
  • McNiff, J. & Whotehead, J.. (2010), You and your action research project, Routledge, London, [ISBN: 9780415487085].
  • Bryman, A. & Teevan, J.. (2005), Social research methods, Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 0195419413].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Woolcott H.. (2009), Writing up qualitative research, second. Sage, London, [ISBN: 080393792X].
  • Berry R.. (1994), The research project: How to write it, Routledge, London, [ISBN: 0415110904].
  • Mohr K.. (1998), How to write: Tools for the craft, UCD Press, Dublin, [ISBN: 1900621150].
  • Redman, P.. (2000), Good essay writing: A social sciences guide, Open University Press, Milton Keynes, [ISBN: 1412920108].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HSOCC_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Work 2 Mandatory