Module: Research Methodologies

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Methodologies
Module Code	CM5992 (ITS) / MCO1016 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Mark O'Brien
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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