| Module Title |
Research Methods & Dissertation |
| Module Code |
HDE1011 (ITS: HD320) |
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Faculty |
Human Development |
School |
DCU Institute of Education |
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NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
10 |
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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.
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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
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| Tutorial | 230 | LECTURE 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 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 10466 | Part of Term | Semester 1 & 2 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Darina Scully | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Extended Essay / Dissertation | 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
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- Brinkmann, S. and Kvale, S.: 2014, Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. 3rd Edition Thousand Oaks: Sage., 3rd, Sage, London,
Articles:
- Flynn, M. & Hanafin, J.: 2021, Guidelines for undertaking empirical and desk-based research. Course Handbooks, School of Human Development, DCU, 47651
- 2011: The Sage handbook of qualitative research.,
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Other Resources
None |
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