Module: Research Methodologies

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Research Methodologies
Module Code	CM5992
School	School of Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Mark O'Brien Semester 2: Mark O'Brien Autumn: Mark O'Brien
Module Teachers	Mark O'Brien
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

This module examines the most commonly used research methods used in academic research. It instructs students on how such methods should be properly chosen and applied. It also enables students to understand how research is routinely carried out and how such research should be analysed and critiqued.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of particular research methods as applied in academic research.
2. Prepare and present a research project outline, with particular attention to best practice of selected research method.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Stages of a Research Project

Literature Review

Interviews

Focus Groups

Content Analysis

Case Study

Textual Analysis

Framing Analysis

Discourse Analysis

Social Media Research

Surveys

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Research Paper	3,000 word paper on self-selected research method to outline - with reference to research methods literature - the best practice approach to using that method in academic research.	100%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Furseth, I & Everett, E.: 2013, Doing your masters dissertation: from start to finish, Sage,
Thomas, G.: 2013, How to do your research project,, Sage,
Davies, M.: 2007, Doing a successful research project: using qualitative or quantitative methods, Palgrave,
Moore, N.: 2006, How to do research: a practical guide to designing and managing research projects,, Facet,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

GDPRSC	Grad Dip in Public Relations&Strat Comms
MAP	MA in Political Communication
MSCPR	MSc in Public Relations & Strategic Comm
MSHC	MSc in Science and Health Communication
MSMC	MA in Social Media Communications

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