Module Code - Title:
MP6062
-
RESEARCH METHODS
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the principles of good research practice, including the primary theoretical perspectives involved, the range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies available, research design, information resources, completion of fieldwork, data analysis and the ethical considerations in conducting research.
Syllabus:
Students explore the stages involved in the process of completing academic research. Key issues addressed include: choosing a research topic, writing the research proposal conducting a literature review, where and how to source relevant material, how to map out the literature and identifing arguments relevant for their research topic. The various research methodologies and philosophies are evaluated to ascertain their suitability for different research situations. The issues associated with the management of empirical research, such as research instrument design, sample selection, pilot testing of the research instrument, collecting the information, data analysis and methods of interpreting the data are examined. Students are guided on how to structure and write up research findings, to construct and support arguments, and how to clearly communicate the implications of the research outcomes to different stakeholder perspectives.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the main approaches to research and identify ones suitable to different research contexts and research questions.
Critically evaluate and understand how to thaw upon a range of information sources and conceptual frameworks appropriate to their research.
Prepare a detailed research proposal and work plan for the development of a research paper.
Recognise the continuity between the research proposal, the research process and the final research paper.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Reflect upon the broader ethical dimensions of research and how to address potential ethical issues encountered in collecting and interpreting data.
Become more reflective in their approach to researching and understanding their preferred research style.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Appreciate the importance of time management when completing self-directed research.
Experience in testing and implementing data collection instruments and the ability to show evidence of rigour in recording, summarizing and interpreting research results.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
To formulate a valid research question(s).
To acknowledge research has limitations and discuss how these limitations can be overcome in future research studies.
Prime Texts:
Hart, C. (2009)
Doing a Literature Review, Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination.
, London: SAGE Publications Ltd., USA
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2009)
Research Methods for Business Students (5 ed.)
, Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited, UK.
Other Relevant Texts:
Fisher, C. (2004)
Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students
, Prentice Hall, Financial Times, UK.
Bryman, A. and E. Bell (2006)
Business Research Methods
, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Tharenou, P., R. Donohue and B. Cooper (2007)
Management Research Methods
, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
yvonne.costin@ul.ie