RSCH09053 2023 Research Methods
Full Title
Research Methods
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
RSCH09053
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
RSCH - Research
Department
BUS - Business
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2023 - Full Academic Year 2023-24
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Alan Kelly, Breda McTaggart, Bryan Coyne, Carol Moran
Programme Membership
SG_BDIGI_M09 202300 Master of Science in Digital Business
SG_BDIGI_O09 202300 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Digital Business
Description
Effective and ethical research must be underpinned by an understanding of appropriate research methods. This module explores the context in which research takes place and the most appropriate methods to use to meet research objectives in the business environment. Students will gain theoretical knowledge about the research process and will also have the opportunity to develop practical quantitative and qualitative research skills. Students will develop an awareness of ethical issues in research and develop research ideas that are aligned with institute ethical principles.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Develop a research problem with consideration for the context, rationale, scope and limitations of their research.
2.
Identify and defend appropriate research methods that will best achieve the aims and objectives of a research question.
3.
Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
4.
Effectively communicate research findings.
5.
Engage with a research ethics review, including an assessment of potential issues surrounding research design and data collection for research purposes.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Lectures will introduce the students to the theoretical aspects of research methods, and this learning will underpin their capacity to learn practical research skills that will enable them to undertake effective research and communicate the findings succinctly.
Learners will gain practical experience of gathering, handling, analysing and reporting on quantitative and qualitative data.
A UDL approach will be embedded in the delivery of this module to ensure it is accessible for all learners. Learners will be encouraged to engage in reflective practice to help them identify how they can improve their learning during the semester.
Module Assessment Strategies
Learners will complete three components of continuous assessment which are designed to ensure they not only meet the learning outcomes, but also gain practical experience of the research process.
Firstly, they will complete a research proposal, outlining the context, rationale, scope, ethical considerations and limitations of their proposed research. They will also identify and defend the research design and methods chosen.
Secondly, they will complete quantitative analysis on an existing data set and report their findings in an appropriate format.
Finally, they will conduct and transcribe an interview and from this they will undertake qualitative data analysis and report on their findings.
Repeat Assessments
The repeat assessment strategy will be dependent on overall grades and will be decided and documented at the Progression and Award Boards.
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to research methods
- Overview of research methods
- Importance of appropriate research design
- Integrity and ethical practice
LO 1 Research proposal
- Consideration of context, rationale, literature review, identifying a research gap
- Research questions, aims and objectives
- Context, scope and limitations of research
- Ethical considerations and ethics approval process
LO 2 Research design
- Philosophical world views
- Strategies of inquiry (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
- Data collection methods
- Sampling, triangulation, accuracy, reliability and validity
LO 3 Data analysis
- Data cleaning process (irrelevant data, duplicates, structural errors, missing data, outliers, validation)
- Data analysis (regression, hypothesis, context, discourse analysis)
- Deductive and inductive approaches, acknowledging and managing bias
LO 4 Communicating research findings
- Presenting research findings in a clear, concise and effective manner
- Consideration of audience and most appropriate form of communication e.g. poster, research paper, framework, video, report.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research Proposal | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 40 % | Week 7 | 1,2,5 |
| 2 | Data analysis | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 60 % | Week 12 | 3,4 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Lecture | Online | Online lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Required Reading
2018-01-02 Research Design SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 1506386709 ISBN-13 9781506386706
2018-01-02 Research Design SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 1506386709 ISBN-13 9781506386706
This bestselling text pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design. For all three approaches, John W. Creswell and new co-author J. David Creswell include a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions; key elements of the research process; a review of the literature; an assessment of the use of theory in research applications, and reflections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. New to this Edition Updated discussion on designing a proposal for a research project and on the steps in designing a research study. Additional content on epistemological and ontological positioning in relation to the research question and chosen methodology and method. Additional updates on the transformative worldview. Expanded coverage on specific approaches such as case studies, participatory action research, and visual methods. Additional information about social media, online qualitative methods, and mentoring and reflexivity in qualitative methods. Incorporation of action research and program evaluation in mixed methods and coverage of the latest advances in the mixed methods field Additional coverage on qualitative and quantitative data analysis software in the respective methods chapters. Additional information about causality and its relationship to statistics in quantitative methods. Incorporation of writing discussion sections into each of the three methodologies. Current references and additional readings are included in this new edition.
Required Reading
2018-10-05 Business Research SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 1544307829 ISBN-13 9781544307824
2018-10-05 Business Research SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN 1544307829 ISBN-13 9781544307824
Business Research: A Guide to Planning, Conducting and Reporting Your Study bridges the academic foundation and the practical application of research methodology through an in-depth and insightful tour of the research processexploring, planning, creating, conducting, collecting, analyzing, and reporting. The text weaves together timeless principles, emerging ideas, contemporary examples and modern tools in a narrative that is both authoritative and supportive. Integrating a unique Roadmap framework throughout, Business Research navigates students from the start of their initial inquiry to their final stop in reporting their findings, building their confidence as they move point-to-point in their journey. Written with exceptional clarity and focus, Donald Cooper has created a guide to research that will be valuable to students in their academic pursuits as well as their professional careers.
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Updated Literary Resources
Journal Resources
Relevant material will be suggested on an ongoing basis based on students research ideas.
URL Resources
Other Resources
All student research study must adhere to ATU Sligo Research Ethics Procedure.
Basic information is available online on the ATU website's Research Ethics page, with the latest information to be provided in class.
Additional Information
ATU Research Ethics Policy
ATU Research Ethics Procedure