| CODE | LIA5015 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Library Information and Archive Sciences | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Research is a core component of scholarly and professional work. Conducting and carrying out research, however, requires specific kinds of methods depending upon the research question or context. Understanding these different methods and why, when, and how to apply them is therefore essential for all research projects or studies. Introducing students to the fundamentals of research methods, this study-unit examines the major approaches to conducting and carrying out research. It will help students understand, design, and implement different kinds of research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method methods, accompanied by more specific concentrations on documentary, archival, historical, and policy research. Topics covered will include: - Types of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches; - Types of documentary research; - Research questions; - Conceptualizing a research project or study; - Literature Reviews; - Case Studies; - Interviews, focus groups, and surveys; - Action research methods; - Documentary research methods; - Participant observation methods; - Archival and historical research methods; - Policy research methods; - Research ethics. Study-unit Aims: - Introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of research methods; - Provide foundational knowledge of the major types and approaches of research methods; - Supply methodological guidance with practical applications and insights to show how research methods can be applied to research projects, studies, and other situations; - Establish necessary methodological foundations upon which to conduct research in both scholarly and professional contexts. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate an informed understanding of the major types of research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, as well as documentary, archival, historical, and policy approaches; - Develop understandings and insights for the rationales for different kinds of research methods in diverse research contexts; - Conceptualize research questions, projects, and studies; - Formulate research questions, positions, and arguments. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply research methods within diverse scholarly and professional contexts; - Identify what type of research method is necessary and appropriate for different kinds of research questions, projects, and studies, taking into account the applicable approach and design, possible available resources, possible challenges and opportunities, ethical considerations, etc.; - Prepare descriptions and plans for research projects and studies; - Formulate, design, and implement necessary and appropriate methodological approaches to specific research questions, projects, or studies; - Critically assess and evaluate research methods, as well as research done by others; - Enhance communication skills for clarifying and explaining research methods in diverse scholarly and professional contexts. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Text/s: - Creswell, John W. and Creswell, J. David. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Newcastle upon Tyne: Sage Publications Inc. - Small, Ruth V. and Mardis, Marcia A. (eds). (2018). Research Methods for Librarians and Educators Practical Applications in Formal and Informal Learning Environments. Libraries Unlimited/ABC-CLIO. - Tight, Malcolm. (2019). Documentary Research in the Social Sciences. London: Sage. Supplementary Readings: - Turabian, Kate L. (2007). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations 7th Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Marc Kosciejew |
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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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