QUSU07005 2012 Research Methods
This module introduces students to the research process, methodologies and methods and the preparation of a dissertation proposal. The module supports the production of a dissertation in further stages/studies.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Provide an overview of the research process and the skills of the researcher
Undertake a preliminary literature search
Distinguish quantitative and qualitative approaches and methods and discuss issues of reliability and validity in research design
Frame a research/dissertation proposal
Select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuotus Assessment
Indicative Syllabus
Scientific study, critical investigation
Selecting a topic, narrow, framing a research question, aims, objectives.
Academic writing – style, layout, presentation and format
Literature review – Rationale, sources, critiquing an article, plagiarism/Harvard referencing
Methodology – theorietical frameworks, methodology selection, ethics, analysis, validity, reliability.
Proposal – preparing a proposal, working title, aim, objectives, research question(s), methodology, references and plan.
Data collection methods and manipulation - questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, populations, sampling, statistical methods, analysis and interpretation, presentation of findings.
Structure - Abstract, introduction, literature, methodology, analysis, conclusion and bibliograply
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 100 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Research Methods | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Research Methods | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Module Resources
Naoum, S.G. (2012) 3rd ed. Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students, Butterworth-Heinemann
Fellows, Richard and Liu (2008) 3rd ed. Research Methods for Construction, Blackwell Science
Bell, J (2010) 5th ed. Doing Your Research Project – A Guide for First Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science, Buckingham, Open University Press
Robson, C. (2011), 3rd ed. Real World Research, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing
Swetnam, D. (2000) 3rd. ed. Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present successful work, Oxford, How To Books
Quantity Surveying Dissertation Handbook (updated annually)
None