Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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. 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. 2. Explain key research concepts and terminology. 3. Explain/describe how surveys, individual and focus group interviews, correlational, case studies, ethnographies, action research and content analyses are conducted 4. Identify key ethical concepts and understand how to respond to basic ethical issues in Human Development types of research 5. Read a research report and comment on basic qualitative and/or quantitative statistical research findings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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:
Articles:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||