RSCH09002 2021 Research Methods
The purpose of the module is to provide learners with an overview of key areas involved in the research process including: formulating research questions; measurement; research design; and, writing the research paper. It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: ethics and health and safety.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Evaluate the attributes and importance of research
Assess the techniques involved in identifying the research question and predict the ethical and safety elements involved
Evaluate published material
Choose and compare qualitative and quantitative research procedures
Plan and structure a research paper
Appraise funding opportunities and prepare a funding proposal
Teaching and Learning Strategies
A variety of teaching and learning techniques will be incorporated including case studies, problem-based learning, guest lecturing, flipped classroom, peer learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
Learning outcomes will be assessed based on a series of assessment questions completed at the end of each chapter that progressively build-up student research capabilities. Learners will also be required to complete a Strand 1 funding application or similar.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessments requirements will be based on failed components and be recorded at the Progression and Award Boards.
Indicative Syllabus
The Purpose and Context of Research: definitions of research, why is research important?, the research paradigm, the research approach and the research method
Asking the Right Question: choosing a topic for research, generating a research idea or topic, identifying the research question, the research hypothesis, the research pilot, ethical considerations, health and safety issues
Using Archives and Evaluating Published Material: the literature search, evaluating the material, evaluating reliability, recording information and using the internet
Applying for funding; the Purpose of the Funding Proposal, completing the funding application form, common reasons for rejection, budget and costs and funding sources
Publishing guidelines and referencing systems: guidelines and conventions, the audience, writing styles, structure and layout, the special case of qualitative research, citations and references
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Multiple Choice Short questions | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
2 | Individual Project Funding application | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Part Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Online | Information dissemination | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | Online | Critique journal articles , concept mapping | 9 | Weekly | 9.00 |
Module Resources
Beauchamp, T. L. (2008). The Belmont Report. The Oxford textbook of clinical research ethics, 149-155.
Berg, R. M. G., Møller, K., & Rossel, P. J. H. (2013). An ethical analysis of proxy and waiver of consent in critical care research. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 57(4), 408-416.
Burles, M. C., & Bally, J. M. (2018). Ethical, practical, and methodological considerations for unobtrusive qualitative research about personal narratives shared on the internet. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 1609406918788203.
Chassang, G. (2017). The impact of the EU general data protection regulation on scientific research. ecancermedicalscience, 11: 709. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3332%2Fecancer.2017.709
Goodyear, M. D., Krleza-Jeric, K., & Lemmens, T. (2007). The declaration of Helsinki. BMJ 335:624.
Hesse, A., Glenna, L., Hinrichs, C., Chiles, R., & Sachs, C. (2019). Qualitative research ethics in the big data era. American Behavioral Scientist, 63(5), 560-583.
Legewie, N., & Nassauer, A. (2018). YouTube, Google, Facebook: 21st century online video research and research ethics. In Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research (Vol. 19, No. 3).
McLeod, S. (2017) The Stanford Prison Experiment. Simply Psychology.
Saunders, M. Lewis, P and Thornhill, A. (2003 3rd ed). Research Methods for Business Students. London: Prentice Hall.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) (2019) Guidance for Applicants on Ethical and Scientific Issues.
Shuster, E. (1997). Fifty years later: the significance of the Nuremberg Code. New England Journal of Medicine, 337(20), 1436-1440.
Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics. Cambridge University Press.
World Medical Association. (2013). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki: ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. Jama, 310(20), 2191-2194.
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