Module: Research Methods 3

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Methods 3
Module Code	EDU1165 (ITS: ED9014A)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Arts Education & Movement
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	20

Description

This module aims to: • facilitate students to critically consider the different paradigms of research inquiry and how they fit into their own thesis proposal. • equip students with the skills to initiate, self-direct and evaluate an innovative research project that evolves out of, and which will inform their practice • deepen students’ knowledge of the principles and practice of good research • attend to ethical concerns when designing, doing and communicating research • enable students to apply the current evidence base, including outcome research, to refine meaningful research questions • enable students to critically examine the application of methodologies for their specific research area and beyond • develop students’ competency and confidence as professional practitioner researchers

Learning Outcomes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	15	Formal input by module co-ordinator and/or guest lecturers in lecture/seminar format
Tutorial	10	Focused engagement with key literature and/or module related tasks in a supported group environment
Directed learning	30	Focused engagement with key texts directed by module coordinator and focusing on integration of professional and research contexts
Online activity	70	Participant engagement in synchronous and/or asynchronous online discussion fora hosted on the DCU LOOP system.
Independent Study	150	Independent pursuit of relevant issues and ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module.
Assignment Completion	100	Completion of research proposal and presentation
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11638	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Maura Coulter	Module Teacher	Alan Gorman, Nicola Broderick

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Research Proposal including essential elements such as literature review, positionality, theoretical framework, research aims/questions, proposed methodology, and ethical considerations	70%	Sem 2 End
Presentation	Oral presentation of the proposed research proposal	30%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

indicative content
Refining a problem of practice and crafting a research proposal Reflecting on paradigms of research inquiry and how they inform your proposal Shaping the conceptual framework - Framing research questions, aims, objectives and outcomes and pondering data sources Contemplating research design - Reflecting on qualitative and quantitative research methods modules and an introduction to mixed methods research designs towards defining the method appropriate for your study Research Integrity – Ethics, GDPR and accountability in your research study Planning and managing a research project including for example: administrative tasks such as logistics and practicalities of participant recruitment, intervention implementation, data gathering and analyzing, and writing up Identification of interventions and adaptations that may be necessary to undertake during research Thesis proposal advisors – guiding your inquiry with clarity and precision Presentation of your proposal – the first step towards your Viva Voce

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Karalis Noel, T: 2023, Empowering Scholar-Practitioners: A Comprehensive Guide for Conceptualizing, Designing, Writing, Defending, and Publishing a Dissertation in Practice,
Denicolo, P., & Becker, L.: 2012, Developing research proposals, 1st, SAGE,
Creswell, J.W.: 2018, Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Pearson,
Creswell, J.W.: 2018, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, SAGE,
Denzin, N.K., & Lincoln, Y.S.: 2017, Handbook of qualitative research, SAGE,
Hart, C.,: 2002, Doing a literature search: A comprehensive guide for the social sciences, SAGE,
Punch, K.F.: 2016, Developing effective research proposals, SAGE,
Walshaw, M: 2015, Planning your post graduate research, Macmillan Education,
Wentz, E. A: 2013, How to design, write, and present a successful dissertation proposal, SAGE,

Articles:

Annersten, M., & Wredling, R.: 2006, How to write a research proposal, European Diabetes Nursing, 3;2, 10210, https://doi.org/10.1002/edn.52,

Other Resources

1: blog, Pat Thompson, Patter,