| CODE | PPL2045 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Researching Public Policy | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Public Policy | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Objectives: By the end of the study-unit programme, students will be able to: • Develop a focused research question; • Discuss research designs and which are most appropriate for specific types of questions; • Identify available resources to assist in research planning and implementation; • Discuss appropriate tools and methods for managing data; • Write good research reports using the appropriate academic and business formats. Description: This study-unit will address and explore in depth the four major areas outlined below: • The Research Cycle What is research? Why is research a process and not an activity? What are the different stages of the research cycle? What are the trade-offs and pitfalls that can occur during a research cycle? What are the characteristics of research in the world of social sciences? How can mind mapping help in establishing the building blocks of a research theme? • Getting ‘inside’ and Research Ethics How difficult is it to get ‘inside’ information? What are the challenges in negotiating access to persons and organizations? How do research ethics come into play? What are the implications of the Data Protection Act in research assignments? Why are samples important in research assignments and what are the techniques used in projecting the right sampling methodology? • Research Instruments Discover the characteristics, advantages and limitations of a variety of primary and secondary research instruments, including surveys, questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, documentation reviews, case studies, narrative inquiries, experiments, diaries, observation studies and the internet. How can qualitative and quantitative data be compiled, analysed and presented in the most effective ways? • Research Reports and Presentations What are the major elements that constitute a good research report? Explore the different stages in report writing and the presentation techniques used to facilitate reading and the exposition of analysed data. What are the skills required to present with impact the research report in front of a participative audience? Method of teaching: This study-unit involves a high level of interactivity and practical research assignments wherein students are expected to work in teams on research themes of their own choice. Students will also have the opportunity to visit local public institutions, specializing in researcher services, including the Malta National Archives and the Library of the House of Parliament. Input by the lecturer will be delivered through a series of powerpoint presentations that will also be made available to students. Reading List: • Bell Judith, Doing Your Research Project, Open University Press • Denscombe Martyn, The Good Research Guide, Open University Press • Silbergh, David M., Doing Dissertations in Politics, Routledge Publication Chapters • Grech, Sergio, Patri Felicjan Bilocca, First Chapter • Wettinger, Godfrey, Place-Names of the Maltese Islands, Introduction, PEG Ltd, (2000) Articles • What it takes to carry out a survey? by Herald Bonnici • Job adverts seeking researchers, interviewers, mystery shoppers and evaluators • Performance Measures, by Maria Micallef • Hear the Message! by Kellie Fowler • Sharp drop in reported crime by Claudia Calleja • Speed Reading Techniques. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar and Tutorial | |||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Mario Thomas Vassallo (Co-ord.) George Vital Zammit |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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