QLTY09045 2013 Research Methods

Select and critically apply an appropriate research strategy.

Undertake a literature search and generate a literature review on a research topic.

Select and apply an appropriate research methodology. (e.g. Surveys / Questionaires)

Identify, construct, and test a research hypothesis and null hypothesis.

Analyse qualitative and quantitative research data.

Communicate effectively their research outcomes.

The online teaching and learning strategy will follow the guidelines as developed by Quality Matters: http://www.qmprogram.org/

Unique to the Quality Matters Rubric is the concept of alignment. This occurs when critical course components - Learning Objectives (2), Assessment and Measurement (3), Instructional Materials (4), Learner Interaction and Engagement (5), and Course Technology (6) - work together to ensure students achieve desired learning outcomes.

100% Continuous Assessment

Indicative Practicals / Projects

Multiple Choice Questions on Different areas of the Syllabus

Submission of Research proposal paper

Review of past Thesis

Generation of Survey / Questionnaire

Repeat Assignments

1. The Foundations of Research Philosophy and Components of Research. Model of scientific inquiry. Applied versus Basic research. Conceptualising and Problem Formulation. Developing the research hypothesis. What makes a good hypothesis

2. Selecting a problem and Reviewing the research Reviewing the literature, Use of primary sources, Use of computers in research search. Use of online searches and web engines., Referencing

3. Sampling and the Theory of Measurement Populations and samples. Sampling strategies: random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling. Sampling error. The measurement process. Levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio. Reliability. Types of reliability: test-retest reliability, parallel forms, inter-rater, internal consistency. Validity. Types of validity: content validity, criterion validity, construct validity.

4. Method of Measuring Behaviour Tests and their development. Types of tests: achievement tests, multiple choice achievement items. Attitude tests. Thurstone scale. Likert scale. Personality tests. Observational techniques. Techniques for recording behaviour.

5. Nonexperimental Research Methods Descriptive research. Case studies. Advantages and disadvantages of case study method. Survey research. Questionnaire design. Layout and Structure of questionnaires. Interviewing method. Strengths and weaknesses of interviewing. The interview process. Developmental research: Longitudinal method, cross-sectional methods, Use of follow-up studies. Correlation research.

6. Experimental and Quasi Experimental research methods Experimental design. Treatment and control group. Internal and External validity. Controlling extraneous variables. Pre-experimental designs. True experimental designs, Quasi-experimental designs.

7. Data Analysis Analysis of quantitative data: Use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, tests of significance, p value, measures of association. Analysis of qualitative data. Identifying themes, KJ Method, speculative analysis, data reduction, coding data: open coding, axial coding, selective coding.

8. The Reporting of Research Writing a research proposal. Evaluating previous studies. Writing a research manuscript. Research presentations and evaluation. Plagiarism. Ethics in research.