Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9063
Title: Research Strategies
Long Title: Research Strategies - Qualitative
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: There is a focus on qualitative research strategy so that students articulate how, based on their aims, research can be conducted. Graduate students will advance, to name and critically unpack the proposed methodology for their own research project. Class will normally take place online and participants will have the opportunity to submit and discuss work in progress. This is an applied module and students will participate in a set of guided activities in relation to their own research project.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically review the relationship between research strategy and research philosophy with reference to key research design models.
LO2 Distinguish between research methodology and research method in the context of doctoral studies.
LO3 Critique a range of research methodologies appropriate to their discipline area.
LO4 Critically unpack choice of/proposed methodology with reference to rationale, claims and limitations in 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).
15107 EDUC9061 Research Philosophies
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 Strategies
Overview of Alternative Strategies of Inquiry: Quantitative; Qualitative and Mixed Methods, Consideration of some approaches associated with Qualitative Strategies: Experimental Research, Action Research, Case Study Research, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Archival Research
Unpacking Methodologies
Extrapolation, Rationale, Claims and Limitations in Research
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Concise contribution to the discussion addressing LOs 1 and 2 in a format of the student's choice e.g. 2 minute recording or 400 word written entry. Discussion will be open for contributions in the VLE between start Week 5 and end Week 7.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
1,500-2,000 word written piece (or accommodation for student's preferred submission format to be discussed and agreed with lecturer). An overview and critical justification of chosen/proposed methodology. Students will have the opportunity to discuss work in progress with the lecturer in advance of assessment deadline. Assessment due in Week 13 via the VLE.
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 A mixture of lecture/facilitated group discussion/facilitated activities on key topics. Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Active learning using resources provided in the VLE - Students will be prompted to critically engage with material in textual/visual/audio formats on a weekly basis. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed reading on methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to discuss work in progress with the lecturer. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact A mixture of lecture/facilitated group discussion/facilitated activities on key topics. Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Active learning using resources provided in the VLE - Students will be prompted to critically engage with material in textual/visual/audio formats on a weekly basis. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed reading on methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to discuss work in progress with the lecturer. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Boyd, B., Russell Crook, T., Lê, J.K. and Smith, A.D.. (2019), Standing on the Shoulders of Giants : Traditions and Innovations in Research Methodology, Emerald Publishing Limited, ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cit-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5743726., [ISBN: 9781787563353].
  • Kara, H.. (2020), Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide, 2nd. Policy Press, p.320, [ISBN: 9789352807574].
  • Hammersley, Martyn. (2010), Methodology Who Needs It?, Sage Publications, ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cit-ebooks/detail.action?docID=689522., [ISBN: 9781446210123].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Golafshani, N. (2003), Understanding reliability and validity in qualitative research, The qualitative report, 8(4) 597-606.
  • Noble, H. and Smith, J.. (2015), Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research, Evidence Based Nursing, 18(2), 34-5.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HRDPR_9 Postgraduate Certificate in Research Development & Practice 2 Elective