Module: Research Design & Methods

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Design & Methods
Module Code	POL1035 (ITS: LG250)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will introduce students to the basics of research design and methods in social science. The module will begin by developing students' ability to use literature effectively in identifying knowledge gaps, empirical puzzles and findings, and formulate research questions based on these. This will be followed by introducing students to the basic concepts and methods in answering substantive research questions from a scientific perspective. Students will focus on developing their understanding of the evolution and development of the scientific process that aims to answer substantive research questions. Overall, students will be introduced to the importance of research puzzles, the use of falsification as a scientific method, hypothesis development and testing, the basics of concept measurement and a number of different research designs.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify research gaps, puzzles and questions in academic sources and literature
2. Develop research questions and theoretically driven hypotheses using the scientific method
3. Define and measure concepts of interests in social science and politics
4. Develop a research methodology appropriate for answering a substantive research question
5. Combine basic quantitative and qualitative methods in answering a research question

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	11408	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	70%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Michael Breen	Module Teacher

Section Breakdown
CRN	21122	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	70%	Examination Weight	30%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jivanta Schottli	Module Teacher	Michael Breen, Roman-Gabriel Olar, Vidushi Kaushik

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Students will write an 1000 words essay in which they identify a research question they aim to answer in a research project. The research question needs to identify a puzzle from the real world (some variation) they aim to explain. This puzzle needs to clearly explain why the variation is puzzling/worthy of investigation and then propose a clear research question that could be answered in clarifying the puzzle. The discussion needs to also include a discussion of existing knowledge (from academic sources) on the chosen topic.	30%	n/a
Report(s)	Students need to write an 1800 research proposal containing the following elements: • A statement of the research question • Puzzle or brief justification for choosing that question • The location of the project in the existing literature • Short theory and hypotheses to be tested • Outline of research design – e.g. variables, case and/or method selection • Research methods - including sources	70%	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

Recommended books
Clark, W. R., Golder, M., & Golder, S. N. (2017). Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press. Kellstedt, P. M., & Whitten, G. D. (2018). The fundamentals of political science research. Cambridge University Press. Halperin, Sandra and Heath, Oliver (2020) Political research: methods and practical skills. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press. SAGE Research Methods collection: https://methods-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None