Module Code: H9RSMTH
Long Title Research Methods
Title Research Methods
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator: Louise (F) Maguire
Module Author: COLETTE DARCY
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Masters degree holder with experience of delivery at Level 9
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# 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).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
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.  
 

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
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
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
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
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
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full 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.
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.
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.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
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.

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
  • Quinlan, C. (2019), Business Research Methods, 2nd Ed. Cengage Learning EMEA, Hampshire, UK.
  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A.. (2019), Research Methods for Business Students, 8th Ed. Financial Times/Prentice Hall, Harlow, UK.
  • Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2019), Business Research Methods, 5th Ed. Oxford University Press.
  • Press  Yin, R. K. (2018), Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, 6th Edition. Sage Publications Inc.
  • Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2014), Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students, 4th Ed. Palgrave, Hampshire, UK.
  • Miles, M.B. and Huberman, A.M. (2019), Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook, 4th Edition. Sage Publication, London.
  • Rugg, G. & Petre, M. (2006), A Gentle Guide to Research Methods, Open University Press.
  • Fisher, C. (2010), Researching and Writing a Dissertation: An Essential Guide for Business Students, 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall, Harlow.
  • Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., Jackson, P.R. and Jaspersen, L.J.. (2018), Management and Business Research, 6th Edition. Sage Publications, London.
  • Creswell, J.W. Creswell, J.D.. (2017), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, London.
  • Wallace, M, Wray, A. (2021), Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates, 4th Edition. Sage Publication, London, California.
  • Hart, C. (2010), Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the research imagination, 2nd Edition. London, California, Sage Publications.
  • 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
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: