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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Research Design
Module Code LG600
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf Iain McMenaminOffice NumberCG19B
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This Module aims to transform research students from unconscious to conscious thinkers. Research is only defensible if it designed. Research is effectively a series of choices. The module seeks to show students that choices are unavoidable and what is at stake when choices are made. The module stresses the logical process of research design, instead of the frequently technical emphasis of research methods courses or the abstract concerns of philosophy of science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Present a methodological critique of a research article.
2. Present and defend her own research design.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10Please see content
Seminars14Please see content
Independent Study101Please see content
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

Lectures
1. Introduction: Philosophy of Science 2. Purpose, Object and Methodology 3. The Statistical Methodology 4. Qualitative Research and the Quantitative Template 5. The Broader Qualitative Approach 6. Constructivist Methodology

Methodological critiques
Students will be asked to prepare and present critiques of research articles using the perspectives introduced earlier in the course.

Research Proposal Presentations
Each student will be asked to prepare and defend their research topic as set of conscious methodological choices.

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

  • Gary King, Robert Keohane, Sidney Verba: 0, Designing Social Inquiry,
  • Todd Landman: 0, Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics,
  • The Craft of Political Research: 0, The Craft of Political Research,
  • Henry Brady and David Collier: 0, Rethinking Social Inquiry: Diverse Tools, Shared Standards,
  • Jonathon Moses and Torbjorn Knutsen: 0, Ways of Knowing: Competing Methodologies in Social and Political Research,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ALPDPhD
ALPMMA
ALPTPhD-track
ARPDPhD
ARPMMSc
ARPTPhD-track
CSPDPhD
CSPMMA
CSPTPhD-track
ESPDPhD
ESPMMA
ESPTPhD-track
LGLMLLM
LGPDPhD
LGPMMA
LGPTPhD-track
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