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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

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

This module examines what it means to conduct research: including devising a research question, conducting a literature review, individual research methods (and how they might work together) and academic writing skills.

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. Select reliable information sources, including principal archival repositories and on-line journals.
4. 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
Lecture22Details at lectures and/or on Moodle
Group work10No Description
Independent Study93Reading
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

Introductions

Components of a Thesis

Literature Review

Database Skills - Library

Content Analysis 1

Content Analysis 2

Reading Week - Research Proposal

Framing Analysis 1

Framing Analysis 2

Case Study

Discourse Analysis

Interviews

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
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

  • 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
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