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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2013 - 2014

Module Title Principles of Research Methodology
Module Code MG610
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the core principles underpinning quantitative and qualitative methods, allowing them to understand how each informs a distinctive mindset in the field, and to assess their respective suitability in studying particular dimensions of human behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

1. distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research orientations
2. identify the merits and demerits of combined multi-method studies in quality research journals
3. identify the appropriate uses of parametric and non-paramteric statistical techniques and the interpretation of associated statistical tests
4. demonstrate the ability to critique the relevance and quality of methodological detail presented in a range of research journal publications
5. evaluate the respective sampling modes in both quantitative and qualitative research



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Classroom based discussions and reviews of topics
Directed learning50Review of academic articles in preparation for class
Independent Study51Exploration of relevant qualitative and quantitative techniques
Total Workload: 125

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

1
• Theoretical, contextual and organisational underpinnings for choosing quantitative and qualitative methods

2
• Quantitative and qualitative perspectives on the role of the researcher

3
• Research questions, and relevant ‘data’ as understood in both approaches

4
Probability, sampling, and distribution. Sampling in qualitative research.

5
• Hypotheses testing, power of test and confidence testing

6
• Non-parametric testing procedures

7
• Evaluation modes in quantitative and qualitative research

8
• Triangulation in business and management research

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Alan Agresti, Barbara Finlay: 2009, Statistical methods for the social sciences, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 0130272957
  • Alan Bryman, Emma Bell: 2007, Business research methods, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 978-0-19-928498-6
  • editors, Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln: 2005, The SAGE handbook of qualitative research, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 9780761927570
  • Ronald A. McQueen, Christina Knussen: 2006, An introduction to research methods and statistics in psychology, Pearson Education, Essex, England, 0131249401
  • Robert L. Miller... [et al.]: 2002, SPSS for social scientists, Palgrave, New York, 0333922867
  • by Michael Quinn Patton: 2002, Qualitative research and evaluation methods, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 0761919716
  • Barbara G. Tabachnick, Linda S. Fidell: 2007, Using multivariate statistics, Pearson/Allyn & Bacon, Boston, 0205465250
  • Daniel B. Wright: 0, First steps in statistics, 0761951636
  • W. Paul Vogt,: 0, Quantitative Research Methods for Professionals in Education and Other Fields, 0205359132
Other Resources

None
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