Module Code - Title:
PA5101
-
RESEARCH METHODS FOR PRACTITIONERS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module aims to familiarise participants with various approaches to research in the social sciences. By linking the different research methodologies to the needs and activities of cross-sectoral partnerships, students will be enabled to apply the theories and norms of methodological research to the study of various partnership contexts and issues. It provides a tailored research element which enables participants to carry out effective research
Syllabus:
Placing special emphasis on the particularities of the partnership context, this module familiarises students with the concepts, skills, strategies and methods for good research design and also addresses the presentation of research for various purposes.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of the module students will:
be familiar with the most common research methodologies
be able to formulate a research question and strategy
be able to access and utilise different data sources and analyse and present the results of their research for various purposes.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of the module students will:
differentiate between the various approaches to research
show critical reflection/thinking capacity
recognise the need to take account of ethical issues when conducting research using human subjects
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of the module students will show ability to:
Participate in debates and presentations
Deliver presentations on key issues and topics in a variety of alternative visual, oral and aural formats
Organise seminars and mediate disc
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will comprise of lectures, discussions and a number of short assignements designed to reflect students' growing familiarity with research norms. A reserach design will be completed by students for application in a real setting.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Social Research Methods (2001)
Social Research Methods
, Oxford
Robson, C. (2003)
Real World Research
, Blackwell
Other Relevant Texts:
Gill, J. and Johnson, P (2002)
Research Methods for Managers
, Sage
Punch, K (2000)
Developing Effective Research Proposals
, Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Rory.costello@ul.ie