Module: Research Methods

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	EDU1184 (ITS: SI801)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Inclusive & Special Education
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide participants with a critical appreciation of methodological approaches in educational research. The module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to: - Appreciate the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative methods and their role within educational research. - Interpret and critically evaluate the use of qualitative and quantitative methods as found in published educational research. - Grasp the key concepts and processes that underpin qualitative and quantitative research. - Design a research study to be rigorous and valuable to the field. - Understand and apply ethical principles in the design of a research project. This module is designed for those who have little or no practical experience of conducting research and who have no scientific or mathematical background.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative research
2. Demonstrate systematic understanding of the methodologies relevant to research in education.
3. Demonstrate understanding of, and competence in, the techniques of data generation and analysis associated with qualitative and quantitative research approaches, e.g., survey, questionnaire, interviewing, participant observation, structured observation, documentary analysis, field-notes, reflective journal writing.
4. Articulate and appreciate the different emphases evident between, for example, ethnographic, participatory and action research approaches, or between different forms of experimental design.
5. Analyse and critique examples of quantitative and qualitative research in education.
6. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical issues associated with carrying out educational research, synthesising input from across a range of ethical frameworks.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Assignment Completion	50	Preparation of research proposal. Preparation for interactive oral assessment
Lecture	40	Synchronous and asynchronous lectures
Independent Study	150	Independent reading, reflection on course materials, etc
Assessment Feedback	2	Engagement with tutors and lectures through the semester
Workshop	8	Data analysis workshops
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11976	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Neil Kenny	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Oral Examination	Interactive Oral Assessment of the achievement of the module learning outcomes	100%	Week 12

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

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative approaches
What is qualitative research? What is quantitative research? Mixed methods approaches. Measurements and key concepts in research. Internal coherence in research

Research Design
Ethnography Case Study Research Action Research

Ethics and Integrity
Approaching research ethically Introduction to the ethical review process

Asking People Questions in Research
Surveys and Questionnaires Interviews

Observing People in Research
Structured observation Qualitative observation Single Case Experimental Design

Introduction to data analysis
Introduction to SPSS Introduction to Thematic Analysis

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Clark, Foster, Sloan and Bryman: 202, Bryman's Social Research Methods,, 6th Ed, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 978-019879605
Braun and Clarke: 2021, Thematic Analysis A Practical Guide, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Connolly, P ,, 2007, Quantitative Data Analysis in Education: A Critical Introduction Using SPSS, Oxfordshire, Routledge