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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Research Methods and Dissertation
Module Code HD320
School 76
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Marie Flynn
Semester 2: Marie Flynn
Autumn: Marie Flynn
Module TeachersMarie Flynn
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial230LECTURE 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 Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Extended Essay / Dissertationn/a100%n/a
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

  • 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
Programme or List of Programmes
BAJHBachelor of Arts (BAJH)
BAJHIBachelor of Arts (BAJHI)
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