Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module gives participants an understanding of the processes involved in undertaking research within the field of disaster studies. The focus of the module will be research as part of the emergency management specialism. The module will begin with an introduction to the methodological process and approaches used in disaster research. Each stage of the research process will be examined: research design, ethics, literature review, research methodologies and data gathering techniques, data analysis, and writeup. This module will examine sources of historical disaster data available to researchers and will include an overview of how this data is collected. Students will consider how the data can be collated, the basics of statistics, hypothesis testing, and principles of effective data visualisation. By the end of the module, students will have a thorough grasp of the principles and practicality of conducting research within the emergency management discipline. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the range of research methods, techniques and skills used in disaster research 2. Design an appropriate theoretical framework 3. Discuss how disaster research methods, techniques and skills can be used to address particular research questions with a practical relevance 4. Recognise and appraise ethical issues that may arise while carrying disaster fieldwork 5. Consider a variety of methodological options and identify the most suitable technique for the proposed research topic 6. Be familiar with the components of a research proposal that considers the methodological changes and challenges in disaster research 7. Be familiar with international sources of historical data and how this disaster-related data was compiled 8. Be able to undertake hypothesis testing, basics statistics, and effective data visualisation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Introduction Introduction to the disaster research process - problems of field studies in an emergency management context, ethics of disaster research, and social change and the practice of disaster research over the past 50 years Designing a Research Project Recognising opportunities, posing research questions, creating a conceptual framework and implementing methods of disaster research. Developing a Theoretical Framework Conducting and writing a systematic literature review; reviewing landmark studies in the field of disaster research. Methodological Approaches in Disaster Research Quantitative & Qualitative research methods Data Analysis Introduction to interpreting disaster research data & findings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources
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