Module Code: |
H9RSMTH |
Long Title
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Research Methods
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Title
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Research Methods
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Module Level: |
LEVEL 9 |
EQF Level: |
7 |
EHEA Level: |
Second Cycle |
Module Coordinator: |
Louise (F) Maguire |
Module Author: |
COLETTE DARCY |
Departments: |
School of Business
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Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff |
Masters degree holder with experience of delivery at Level 9
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Learning Outcome Description |
LO1 |
Differentiate between the intellectual traditions that shape the philosophy of social sciences |
LO2 |
Position their research within a philosophical framework appropriate to the research question under consideration |
LO3 |
Demonstrate scientific inquiry skills to assess the effectiveness of any research approach when facing potential research questions |
LO4 |
Distinguish between the basic principles of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and apply these as appropriate to the chosen research. |
LO5 |
Demonstrate proficiency in academic writing skills. |
LO6 |
Utilise research skills gained in this module to prepare a detailed research proposal within the relevant discipline setting |
Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Entry requirements |
There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply. No pre-requisites or co-requisites apply.
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Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content |
The Philosophy of Social Science Research
Intellectual traditions that shape social science research
Deductive and inductive theory
Epistemological considerations
Ontological considerations
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Strategies - Which to use when and why?
Ethics in Research
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Literature Review, Research Design Choices and Formulating Research Questions
Undertaking a Literature Review
Identifying and formulating research questions
Consideration of research design choices
Exploring the literature; database searches, referencing, reviewing current literature, identifying gaps in the literature, avoiding plagiarism
Questionnaire design considerations including the use of published scales, reliability and validity of such scales
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Quantitative Research
Data Collection
Descriptive Statistics & Presenting Data in Tables & Charts
Basic Probability
Normal and Non-Normal (Nonparametric) Distribution - The impact of distribution on statistical tool selection
Sampling
Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing: One-Sample Tests , Two Sample Tests
Analysis of Variance
Simple Linear Regression
Introduction to Multiple Regression
Introduction to SPSS
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Qualitative Research
The nature of qualitative research
Ethnography and participant observation
Interviewing - Qualitative Research Approach
Focus Groups
Language in qualitative research
Secondary sources of data
Qualitative data analysis
Introduction to NVivo
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Research writing and reporting
Academic writing style
The structure of a dissertation
Making the most of your research - presentation and discussion of analysis and findings
The presentation of material within a dissertation
Bibliography, referencing and appendices
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 100.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
Coursework |
Assessment Type: |
Assignment |
% of total: |
15 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Candidates are required to complete a number of elements of assessment as part of this element of the module. Firstly candidates are required to submit a one page outline of their proposed research question and sub-objectives based in the literature. This element encourages students to pick a topic and commit to it - a big first step in the process. Feedback is given to all students on their proposed topic with some required to re-submit where a topic is deemed unsuitable. |
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Assessment Type: |
Continuous Assessment |
% of total: |
15 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
3,4,6 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Students must completed a quantitative based assessment. |
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Assessment Type: |
Proposal |
% of total: |
70 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Candidates are required to produce a 2,500 word dissertation proposal due in January. As part of the submission process students are required to complete an Ethics Review Form. This is mandatory and failure to do so will result in a student not being allocated a supervisor until such time as it has been completed and approved. Detailed feedback is provided to students on their proposal and this is forwarded to the supervisor also. |
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No End of Module Assessment |
Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
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Reassessment Description Learners must pass the research proposal in order to progress onto the dissertation module. Students who fail on the first attempt are given one further opportunity to pass with feedback. Should they fail for a second time, they are deemed to have failed the module and are required to re-sit Research Methods module in its entirety.
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NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours |
Workload: Full Time |
Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Lecture |
Classroom and demonstrations |
30 |
Per Semester |
2.50 |
Independent Learning |
Independent learning |
220 |
Per Semester |
18.33 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
2.50 |
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources |
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Quinlan, C. (2019), Business Research Methods, 2nd Ed. Cengage Learning EMEA, Hampshire, UK.
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Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A.. (2019), Research Methods for Business Students, 8th Ed. Financial Times/Prentice Hall, Harlow, UK.
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Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2019), Business Research Methods, 5th Ed. Oxford University Press.
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Press Yin, R. K. (2018), Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, 6th Edition. Sage Publications Inc.
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Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2014), Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students, 4th Ed. Palgrave, Hampshire, UK.
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Miles, M.B. and Huberman, A.M. (2019), Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook, 4th Edition. Sage Publication, London.
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Rugg, G. & Petre, M. (2006), A Gentle Guide to Research Methods, Open University Press.
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Fisher, C. (2010), Researching and Writing a Dissertation: An Essential Guide for Business Students, 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall, Harlow.
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Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., Jackson, P.R. and Jaspersen, L.J.. (2018), Management and Business Research, 6th Edition. Sage Publications, London.
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Creswell, J.W. Creswell, J.D.. (2017), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, London.
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Wallace, M, Wray, A. (2021), Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates, 4th Edition. Sage Publication, London, California.
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Hart, C. (2010), Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the research imagination, 2nd Edition. London, California, Sage Publications.
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O’Leary, Z. (2017), he Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, 3rd Edition. Sage Publications, London.
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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This module does not have any other resources |
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