Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE LIS1011

 
TITLE Research Methods for Undergraduates

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Library Information and Archive Sciences

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit introduces students to research methods. Specifically, it begins an examination of the major components of research methods, such as the design of research studies; the most popular quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods; types of documentary research; the role of the library in research activities; and the ways in which research features in projects, proposals, presentations, reports, and publications.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aim is to provide foundational training in a broad range of research methods applied in most research activities, projects, and practices.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be:

- Able to formulate research questions and arguments;
- Familiar with major research methods and their main strengths, advantages, and shortcomings.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Select appropriate research methods for a specific topic/context, taking into account the applicable approach and design, possible available resources, possible challenges and opportunities, ethical considerations, etc.;
- Formulate research aims, arguments, stages, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and success criteria;
- Critically assess research done by others;
- Prepare research descriptions and plans for projects, proposals, reports, and publications.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Creswell, John W. and Creswell, J. David. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Newcastle upon Tyne: Sage Publications Inc.
- Tight, Malcolm. (2019). Documentary Research in the Social Sciences. London: Sage.
- Turabian, Kate L. (2007). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations 7th Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Recommended:

- Creswell, John W. Designing and conducting mixed methods research / SAGE Publications, 2011.
- Roulston, Kathryn, Reflective interviewing: a guide to theory and practice / Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2010.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Presentation (20 Minutes) SEM2 Yes 50%
Report SEM2 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Marc Kosciejew

 

 
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.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit