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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2023 - 2024

Module Title Research Methods
Module Code CM570
School School of Communications

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Mark O'BrienOffice NumberC145F
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This ten-credit module provides an introduction to research and research design. The overall aim is to provide foundational understanding that will inform the development of a research proposal for an MA thesis/dissertation. The lectures will examine key concepts underpinning academic research, major approaches to research design and methodology, and issues effecting the reliability or generalisability of research results. As far as possible, these topics will be explored through case studies of research in areas relevant to your MA programmes. Seminars and coursework will provide an opportunity to workshop the development of a research proposal. You will develop the skills and knowledge to formulate research questions, search and evaluate scholarly literature, design a research study, and prepare for the collection and analysis of research data.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the principal methodological approaches to the study of mass communication.
2. Discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of particular research methods as applied in published studies.
3. Evaluate published research
4. Compare and contrast qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method methods;
5. Prepare and present a research project outline, with particular attention to information sources and the clear statement of research questions.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture15Details at lectures and/or on Moodle
Workshop15No Description
Independent Study218Details at lectures and/or on Moodle
Total Workload: 248

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

Introduction

Research Foundations I

Research Foundations II

Research Design I

Research Design II

Quantitative Data I

Quantitative Data II

Qualitative Data I

Qualitative Data II

Reporting Results

Research Ethics

Research Proposals

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

  • http://methods.sagepub.com.dcu.idm.oclc.org/: 0, Sage Research Methods,
  • J. Biggam: 2008, Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation, OUP,
  • M. Denscombe: 2010, The Good Research Guide, OUP,
  • I. Furseth &E. Everett: 2013, Doing Your Masters Dissertation, Sage,
  • C. Hart: 2005, Doing Your Masters Dissertation, Sage,
  • D. Gray: 2009, Doing Research in the Real World, Sage,
  • G. Thomas: 2013, How to do Your Research Project, Sage,
  • R. Kumar: 2013, Research Methodology, Sage,
  • M. Schreier: 2012, Qualitative Content Analysis in Practice, Sage,
  • P. D'Angelo & J. Kuypers: 2010, Doing News Framing Analysis, Routledge,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
MPCSMPhil (Communications)
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