Module Code - Title:
CS6081
-
RESEARCH METHODS AND PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This modules serves as an introduction to the nature of research (philosophies, paradigms and theories) and the reasons for research investigations. It covers the topics of literature review, critical evaluation of research material, the subsequent identification of research questions and the full specification of these questions, in the form of a research proposal. In addition, it will give students an understanding of design research, empirical research methods, and the data collection strategies possible, grounding these students in both qualitative and quantitative traditions. The students will also be made aware of the ethical and access issues related to empirical research collaborations, in terms of data collection, data storage and data utilisation. Finally, students will be given guidance in the presentation and dissemination of research, research management, and the role of the supervisor.
Syllabus:
- An introduction to the nature of, and rationale for, research;
- Research philosophies and theories;
- Quantitative and Qualitative research;
- Research methods;
- Critical review and evaluation of academic material;
- The process of defining and contextualizing a research question;
- Research dissemination skills (oral and written);
- Research ethics;
- Research proposal specification;
- Statistical analysis methods, including statistics;
- Research management;
- Regulations and the role of the supervisor;
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Review, compare and critically evaluate research material from academic literature.
2. Define, specify and contextualize a legitimate research question.
3. Select and use the appropriate research paradigm and methods for a given research scenario.
4. Justify the choice, design and implementation of research paradigm and methods.
5. Manage the ethical considerations involved in empirical research.
6. Effectively disseminate research findings.
7. Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods.
8. Reflect critically on the role of the researcher.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Embrace the attitudes and values held by the scientific community as necessary to further research and discovery.
2. Conform to and promote a research ethos that is based on the hig
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
J. W. Cresswell (1994)
Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
, Sage
Laurel Brenda (editor) (2003)
Design Research: Methods and Perspectives
, MIT Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Jim.Buckley@ul.ie