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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Research Methodologies
Module Code MCO1016 (ITS: CM5992)
Faculty Communications School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module examines the most commonly used research methods used in academic research. It instructs students on how such methods should be properly chosen and applied. It also enables students to understand how research is routinely carried out and how such research should be analysed and critiqued.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of particular research methods as applied in academic research.
2. Prepare and present a research project outline, with particular attention to best practice of selected research method.


Total Workload: 0
Section Breakdown
CRN20584Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMark O'BrienModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Research Paper3,000 word paper on self-selected research method to outline - with reference to research methods literature - the best practice approach to using that method in academic research.100%As required
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

Stages of a Research Project

Literature Review

Interviews

Focus Groups

Content Analysis

Case Study

Textual Analysis

Framing Analysis

Discourse Analysis

Social Media Research

Surveys

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Furseth, I & Everett, E.: 2013, Doing your masters dissertation: from start to finish, Sage,
  • Thomas, G.: 2013, How to do your research project,, Sage,
  • Davies, M.: 2007, Doing a successful research project: using qualitative or quantitative methods, Palgrave,
  • Moore, N.: 2006, How to do research: a practical guide to designing and managing research projects,, Facet,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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