SOCI6006 - Community Research

Module Details

Module Code: SOCI6006
Title: Community Research
Long Title: Community Research
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: This module aims to provide the student with the skills to design and carry out a minor community-based research project. The module introduces the student to a broad knowledge base of social methods, strategies and techniques so as to conduct theoretically informed empirical research into a specialised area within the community.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a research question based on a review of the relevant literature and the development of a theoretical framework.
LO2 Identify and draw on core research methodologies.
LO3 Produce a fully referenced research project based on an area of specialty and practice.
LO4 Demonstrate an awareness around the politics and ethics of research, particularly where they relate to vulnerable communities
LO5 Communicate research findings to a body of practitioners.
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).
14095 EDUC6007 Research Methodology
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.
None
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
The steps in research design and the development of a research question ; moving from the general to the specific; identifying appropriate literature and a theoretical framework; the ingredients of a good research question; descriptive, evaluative and theoretical research.
Approaches to Research
Different approaches to research; positivism, phenomenology and critical theory; linking theory to methods; epistemological positions underpinning research methodology; qualitative and quantitative research.
Politics and Ethics
The politics and ethics of research; researching vulnerable communities; issues of ownership; knowledge production and use of research; issues of disclosure; confidentiality and anonymity; values in research; the reflexive researcher.
Communication of Research Findings
Communicating the findings to other practitioners; summarizing and the executive summary; constructing an abstract; using technology; professional presentation and communication skills; communicating to a ‘non-academic’ audience.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Research Proposal
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Research Project
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Oral presentation of research topic
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 Independent progression of research project 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 Independent progression of research project 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
  • Sotirios Sarantakos. (2017), Social Research, 4th. Part 1 - 4, Red Globe Press, London & New York, p.536, [ISBN: 9780230295322].
  • Martin Davies & Nathan Hughes. (2014), Doing a Successful Project - Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, 2nd. Palgrave, London & New York, p.288, [ISBN: 978113730642].
  • Creswell, J.W.. (2013), Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design - Choosing Among Five Approaches, 3rd. Sage, Thousand Oaks, California, [ISBN: 978145222610].
  • Nigel Holt & Ian Walker. (2009), Research with People - Theory, Plans and Practicals, 1st. Parts1 - 3, Red Globe Press, London & New York, p.272, [ISBN: 9780230545557].
  • Eileen Kane and May O’Reilly de Brún. (2001), Doing Your Own Research: In the Field and on the Net, 2nd. Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd, London:, [ISBN: 9780714530437].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • May, T.. (2001), Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process, 3rd. Open University Press, [ISBN: 9780335206124].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Cantillon, Sara. (1998), Research and Social Policy, Social Policy in Ireland, IPA, Dublin.
  • Lynch, K.. (1999), Equality Studies: The Academy and the Role of Research in Emancipatory Social Change, Economic and Social Review, 30 (1).
Other Resources