EDUC9061 - Research Philosophies

Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9061
Title: Research Philosophies
Long Title: Research Philosophies for PhD Studies
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: This module aims to develop critical awareness of research philosophies. Activities provide opportunities for practice in the selection and justification of an appropriate approach for research. There is a focus on qualitative and mixed methods.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop knowledge of different schools of thought in the philosophy of the social sciences and their application to research.
LO2 Distinguish between ontological and epistemological research approaches.
LO3 Critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of researchers as insiders and as outsiders.
LO4 Justify the selection of an appropriate philosophical approach for a PhD.
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 Branches of Philosophy for Research
Ontology, epistemology, axiology. Contrasting deductive and inductive approaches, objectivity and subjectivity, qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Positioning the Researcher
Insider researcher, outsider researcher. Understanding your position in relation to the research.
Philosophy of the Social Sciences for Qualitative Research
Narrative, phenomenology, feminism, grounded theory, action research, discourse analysis, ethnography.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Two reflective entries based upon your experience of working through structured activities for this module (500 words). Students will have the opportunity to submit and discuss work in progress.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
A concise critical justification of the research philosophy that underpins your chosen research project (1,500-2,000 words). Students will have the opportunity to submit and discuss work in progress.
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 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 philosophies of research 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 Philosophies of Research 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
  • Williams, M.. (2016), Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Social Research, Sage, London, p.230, [ISBN: 978085702742].
  • Thomas, M.K.E. and Bellingham, R.. (2020), Post-qualitative Research and Innovative Methodologies, Bloomsbury Academic, London, [ISBN: 978-1-3500-62].
  • Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A.. (2019), Research Methods for Business Students, 8th. Chapter 4 - Understanding research philosophy and approaches to theory development pp.128-171, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, [ISBN: 9781292208794].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HRDPR_9 Postgraduate Certificate in Research Development & Practice 1 Elective