Module: Research Methods & Dissertation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Methods & Dissertation
Module Code	HD320 (ITS) / HDE1011 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Human Development
Module Co-ordinator	Bernadette Sweetman
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
Students will submit a research project (as required for the first assessment of the module)

Description

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of research through an exploration of research principles, ethics, and approaches. The course will have an emphasis on empirical research methods in the social sciences, or research based on observed and measured phenomena. Students will be guided through the following key aspects of research: Identifying and refining a research topic; Research Approaches; Research ethics; Conducting a literature review; Research methodologies, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods; Devising research instruments, e.g interview schedule or questionnaire; Data analysis; Writing up research findings. Lectures will be delivered to students alongside a guided supervision process (where each student will be assigned a research supervisor). Students will undertake a research project (integrating course elements) over the academic year.

Learning Outcomes

1. On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: 1. Understand how and why social scientists generate knowledge about the social world 2. Define research, describing the research process and main activities and skills associated with it 3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of qualitative, quantitative and philosophical research approaches 4. Refine a research question (within a guided context) and design a means of investigating a topic that is practical and achievable 5. Complete a small-scale research project (empirical or desk-based) with indepth knowledge of the research process for the choice of project undertaken 6. Understand the systematic and eviden

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	230	LECTURE SERIES & RESEARCH SUPERVISION MEETINGS (TUTORIALS) The module has a lecture series every week in Semester 1, followed by some supplementary lectures on Sem 2. Also Independent student work under the guidance of supervisors to include: gathering of appropriate research literature; synthesis and analysis of research; completion of literature review; devising a research instrument; conducting field work; data analysis; reporting of findings
Total Workload: 230

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	n/a	100%	n/a

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

Brinkmann, S. and Kvale, S.: 2014, Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. 3rd Edition Thousand Oaks: Sage., 3rd, Sage, London,

Other Resources

None