Module: Research Methods in Human Development

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Methods in Human Development
Module Code	HDE1010 (ITS: HD220)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Human Development
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to – engage students in reading, discussion and thinking about research in Human Development from a variety of perspectives, so they can read and carry out some basic social science and conceptual research. In this module students develop knowledge and skills in – reading and designing research projects, framing a research question, deciding on appropriate methods, and analysing research data

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E493AD5-2BB0-0001-B146-181519701CB7
2. Demonstrate an understanding of multiple approaches to researching key questions in Human Development, i.e. Compare, contrast and critique qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
4. 7,6,8,19,11,9
5. 1
6. 1E493AD5-3D9F-0001-B4F7-79A01DA0166D
7. Explain key research concepts and terminology.
9. 7,6,8,19,14,11,9,10
10. 2
11. 1E493AD5-5760-0001-3097-1D10A9307E80
12. Explain/describe how surveys, individual and focus group interviews, correlational, case studies, ethnographies, action research and content analyses are conducted
14. 17,7,12,15,6,8,19,11,9
15. 3
16. 1E493AD5-6A1C-0001-EBF6-CF40160015CF
17. Identify key ethical concepts and understand how to respond to basic ethical issues in Human Development types of research
19. 20,7,12,6,23,8,19,21,11
20. 4
21. 1E493AD5-7FEC-0001-8A43-B6E019C0FFD0
22. Read a research report and comment on basic qualitative and/or quantitative statistical research findings
24. 7,12,6,8,19,14,11,9,10
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	100	The Core teaching/contact hours for this course will be 24. The amount of independent study time required, including class preparation time and time to research and prepare for an assignment will be 100 approx, making a total of 100 - 125 hours
Total Workload: 100

Section Breakdown
CRN	20323	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Marie Flynn	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

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 Research Methods
Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; analysis and interpretation of that data; and the posing of new questions for future research to explore. This module will introduce students to the process of research, research paradigms and methods; the purposes of research; and describe and compare quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH: Specifically in relation to Quantitative Research, the following areas will be addressed: Quantitative approaches to research and data analysis; Population and samples, hypothesis testing and probability, data distribution and measures of central tendency, research instruments and psychometric properties.

Students will develop an understanding of the following:1 the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental method, with respect to the scientific study of behaviour;2 why confounding variables can cause problems for the interpretation of research findings, and how they can be overcome;3 commonly used types of experimental design, together with their advantages and disadvantages;4 the relative merits of between-groups and within-subjects designs;5 the nature of ‘time’, ‘group’ and ‘reactivity’ threats to validity, and how they can be tackled.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: Specifically in relation to qualitative research, the following areas will be addressed: Ethnographic research; Emancipatory research methods; Designing and conducting interviews

RESEARCH ETHICS: Students will be introduced to to ethical issues governing research. This will include: Ethical issues involving research participants; Special populations and new inequalities; Privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality; Respect for human dignity; Politics of research; Ethics in healthcare research

PHILOSOPHICAL RESEARCH: Students will also be introduced to Understanding basic interpretative approaches to philosophical texts and philosophical arguments

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Brinkmann, S. and Kvale, S.: 2015, Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing, 3rd, Sage Publications., Los Angeles, CA,

Articles:

Winchester, CL & Salji, M: 2016, Writing a literature review, Journal of Clinical Urology, 9(5), https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2051415816650133, 47968
2015: Doing ethnography or applying a qualitative technique? Reflections from the ‘waiting field’, Qualitative research, 15(2), 47969, 1
The role of emancipatory research in the academy.: (Re) searching Women Feminist Research Methodologies in the Social Sciences in Ireland., 47970, 1, Breakwell, G., Smith, J. A., & Wright, D. B.
SAGE Publications Ltd.: 47971, 1, Kitchener K,S & Kitchener, R.F., 2009
https://methods-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org/book/the-handbook-of-social-research-ethics/n1.xml: 47972, 1, Asenahabi, B. M., 2019, Basics of Research Design: A Guide to selecting appropriate research design,, International Journal of Contemporary Applied Researches, 6 (5).,

Other Resources

None