QUSU07005 2016 Research Methods
Full Title
Research Methods
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
QUSU07005
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
QUSU - 0732 Quantity Surveying
Department
CENG - Civil Eng. and Construction
Level
07 - Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2016 - Full Academic Year 2016-17
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Sean McGagh
Programme Membership
SG_JQUAN_J07 201600 Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
SG_JQUAN_J07 201700 Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
SG_EMECH_H08 202000 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
SG_EROBO_H08 202400 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Robotics and Automation
SG_EROBO_H08 202500 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Robotics and Automation
Description
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;
1.
Provide an overview of the research process and the skills of the researcher
2.
Undertake a preliminary literature search
3.
Distinguish quantitative and qualitative approaches and methods and discuss issues of reliability and validity in research design
4.
Frame a research/dissertation proposal
5.
Select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Lectures
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuotus Assessment
Repeat Assessments
As Marks and Standards
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
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
100 %
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 | Not Specified | Research Methods | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Lecture | Not Specified | Research Methods | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Directed Learning | Not Specified | Research Methods | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Research Methods | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary 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
Other Resources
Quantity Surveying Dissertation Handbook (updated annually)
Additional Information
None