RSCH08010 2022 Research Methods: Joint Majors Sociology and Politics Strand
Full Title
Research Methods: Joint Majors Sociology and Politics Strand
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
RSCH08010
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
RSCH - Research
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Mary Clarke, Dr. Jacqueline O'Toole, Chris Sparks, John Pender, Gwen Scarbrough, Susan McDonnell, Breda McTaggart, Sinead Barrins, Karin White, Maire Hanniffy, Martha Doyle, Brenda Feeney, Ailise McDowell
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics
SG_WENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Politics
Description
This purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to advance their language and understanding of research in political science and sociology disciplines. Students will undertake a critical exploration of research language, ethics, methodologies, methods of data collection and data analysis within an established research process.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Develop a research question/hypothesis
2.
Design an appropriate research process/plan
3.
Select and apply appropriate research methodologies and methods for investigating phenomena of interest in Political Sciences/Sociology disciplines
4.
Demonstrate an understanding of data analysis methods appropriate to research studies irrespective of disciplines
5.
Explore the ethics of research
6.
Create a robust research proposal
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Effective teaching and learning strategies will evolve when module commence. However, it is expected that small group work, problem-based learning, peer support will occur as part of this module. Creative tools will also be used to assist students with their understanding of key theoretical concepts and ideas.
Module Assessment Strategies
There will be two components:
- A multiple choice exam paper worth 20%, week 6
- A complete Research Proposal, week 13.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessment will be developed to align with failed components.
Module Dependencies
Incompatibles
Research Methods is a pre-requisite to the Research Project module. The methods module provides the foundation for students to undertake their Project. Consequently content is expected to be similar, but is the application of it that is relevant to the final project assessment.
Indicative Syllabus
Develop a research question/hypothesis; Students will examine their research area and make decisions on their research question in the areas of new knowledge production, feasibility, possibility, measurability.
Design an appropriate research process/plan: Students are required to examine the use of the standard research process and how their proposed project is managed within the time limits of this process.
Select and apply appropriate research methodologies and methods for investigating phenomena of interest in Political Sciences/Sociology disciplines. Students will interrogate paradigms of enquiry and associated research methods of data collection and their potential application to their research area of interest.
Demonstrate an understanding of data analysis methods appropriate to research studies, irrespective of disciplines. Students will examine data analysis methods relevant to both disciplines and determine which one(s) best fits their future research project.
Explore the ethics of research; Students will propose a research strategy that adheres to both local and national ethics requirements.
Create a research proposal: At the end of this programme of learning students are expected to produce a research proposal to the required standard that include all steps of their proposed research project.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research proposal (Part 1) | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 40 % | Week 6 | 1,2 |
| 2 | Research Proposal (Part 2) | Project | Project | 60 % | Week 13 | 2,3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Online | Research Methods | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Baker, T. (1994).Doing social research. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Ballinger, B. (2001).The curious researcher: A guide to writing research papers.
Pearson. Bell, J. and S. Waters (2014).Doing your own research project. London: OUP, 6th edition. Bryman, A (2016).Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 5th edition.
Bulmer, M. (1984).Sociological research methods. London: Macmillan.
Creswell, J. (2013).Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. London: Sage.
Denscombe, M (2007).The good research guide for small‑scale research projects. Berkshire: Open University Press. 3rd Edition.
Kane, E. and M. O' Reilly De Brun (2001).Doing your own research. London: Boyars.
Kellstedt, P. & Whitten, G. (2009). Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge.
May, T. (2011). Social research. London: OUP. 4th edition. Robert‑Holmes.
Manheim, C.et al. C. (2016) Empirical Political Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. 8th Edition. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Sarantakos, S. (2012).Social research. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 4th edition.
Seale, C. (2012). Researching Society and Culture. London: Sage.
Journal Resources
URL Resources
http://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/
http://sociologicalimagination.org/
Other Resources
Additional Information
Book and website collection may alter and extend as the programme progresses.