RSCH08026 2022 Sociology/Politics Research Project

Identify a sociological/political topic or problem and formulate appropriate research question(s) to answer it;

Critically discuss and synthesise relevant literature and link it with a research problem;

Discuss and reflect on research methodology and methods of data collection;

Generate data that is ethically sourced;

Critically review evidence and demonstrate the ability to collate, interrogate, position and evaluate research findings;

Analyse data and derive conclusions, juxtaposing these to existent theoretical offerings and situating these within wider discourses by providing recommendations based on research findings;

Produce and present a dissertation thesis adhering to best practice conventions and scholarly expectations.

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.

Production of a Dissertation/Research Project wordcount 10,000 words (excluding bibliography).

Work submitted will be assessed by two members of the Social Sciences team. Both will mark the work independently, once complete they will review each other's grading/assessment of the dissertation/research project.

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

The student will choose to complete a research project/dissertation. Dissertation/research projects topics chosen will be either student-led or academic-led. They may be empirical work, critical review work or systematic review.

LO 1 Identify a sociological/political topic or problem and formulate appropriate research question(s) to answer it;

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the preparation and planning required to successfully complete a research dissertation/project. They will demonstrate a clear rationale for the research topic chosen, building a conceptual framework and formulating the research aims and objectives which align with their chosen epistemological position. 

LO2. Critically discuss and synthesise relevant literature and link it with a research problem;

All students must undertake a rigorous, comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate secondary sources of evidence. This literature review will put the research study in context and clearly illustrate how the proposed research will inform the extant literature. 

LO 3 Discuss and reflect on research methodology and methods of data collection;

Students must, in consultation with their supervisor, decide on the most appropriate methodology to complete their work e.g. empirical research, extended critical theory review, systematic review. Students will clearly convey an understanding of research design and key issues relating to primary and secondary quantitative or qualitative research as it applies to their specific research. 

LO 4 Generate data that is ethically sourced;

All students will demonstrate a robust understanding of ethics in research and develop appropriate strategies to ensure an ethically sound research dissertation/project. Students will apply for ethical approval in advance of the commencement of their research and throughout the conduct of their research will adhere to appropriate ethical codes and practices. 

LO 5 Critically review evidence and demonstrate the ability to collate, interrogate, position and evaluate research findings;

Depending on the research path undertaken, students will complete topics following a recognised research process, as decided in conjunction with their supervisor. They will identify the manner in which data was collected and clearly document the process of analysis. 

LO 6 Analyse data and derive conclusions, juxtaposing these to existent theoretical offerings and situating these within wider discourses by providing recommendations based on research findings

Students will provide a detailed overview of their research findings, discussing, their conclusions, implications for previous research and the extent to which it supports, challenges or extends existing theory/discourses in the research area. 

LO 7 Produce and present a dissertation thesis adhering to best practice conventions and scholarly expectations.

Students will present a dissertation to the required QQI standards.