CARE08014 2022 Dissertation/Research Project

Design and develop an appropriate  research strategy that is capable of operationalisation and successfully completed to the deadline (Domains: 1.4 1.8, 1.12, 1.13, 2.6, 3.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15)

Independently, systematically and competently manage diverse evidence sources (Domains: 2.9)

Critically identify, evaluate and synthesise research related theoretical frameworks and existent literatures 

Critically select and demonstrate the appropriate identification and utilisation of study specific relevant research methodologies (Domains: 1.15, 2.9)

Demonstrate understanding of Research Ethics (Domains: 1.4, 1.15, 1.16, 4.4)

Critically review evidence and demonstrate the ability to collate, interrogate, position and evaluate research findings (Domains: 3.4,5.5, 5.6)

Produce and present a a Research Project adhering to best practice social scientific conventions and scholarly expectations (Domains:1.17,  1.18,  1.19,  1.23,  2.6,  2.9,  3.6,  4.2,  4.4,  4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17)

One to one supervision of projects will be available to all. Students must attend supervision and are advised to document their weekly progress within this research process.

Students who choose not to attend organised supervision sessions will not be provided with additional supervision.

There are two options available: Dissertation or Research Portfolio. The final project has 10,000 wordcount (excluding bibliography).

Work submitted will be assessed by way marking undertaken by two members of the Department of Social Sciences. Both will mark work independently, once complete will review work together. If marks are substantially different and/ or agreement on a grade cannot be reached, third-party marking will occur.

The module assessment allows for assessment of CORU Standards of Proficiency as follows:

Research Project: Domain 1.4, 1.8, 1.12, 1.13, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.23, 2.6, 2.9, 3.4, 3.6, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17

1.        Dissertation

Student completes Dissertation using primary or secondary methodologies or a combination of both.

       2.        Complete Research Portfolio comprised of 4 research activities

1. Develop a Research Paper (5000 words)
2. Design a Topic Guide and / or Questionnaire on selected topic
3. Select a small dataset (qualitative or quantitative dataset) to compare and contrast methodologies and methods used to generate the data; practice data analysis with sample datasets (2000 words)
4. Write a short positionality paper (1000 words) to consider the roles of researchers, and expectations of participants / Ethics Position Paper

Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting. This second attempt will be capped at 40%.

Depending on the option selected (Dissertation / Research Portfolio), students will complete topics following a recognised research process, as decided in conjunction with their supervisor. Students will closely with an individual supervisor to consider all aspects of the research process. Drawing from their experiences through their studies to date, students will develop their research topics identified in the pre requisite module, Social Science Research Methods. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the preparation and planning required to successfully complete a dissertation/portfolio. They will demonstrate a clear rationale for the research topic chosen. Students must, in consultation with the supervisor, decide on the most appropriate methodology to complete this work. All students must undertake comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate secondary sources of evidence. All students will demonstrate a robust understanding of ethics in research.