Module Descriptors
RESEARCH METHODS FOR NETWORKING
COCS70686
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Christopher Howard
Email: C.Howard@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 39
Independent Study Hours: 111
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Indicative Content
The module focuses on research skills such as undertaking literature review and reporting of research findings, development of a research question, research methodology, research and ethics. A critical study of research methods is undertaken and quantitative and qualitative research methods are explored, including data collection techniques and sampling theory and survey methods. Data analysis techniques are examined, including the types of data, the use of survey and experimental data and statistical analysis. Issues regarding the presentation and dissemination of research are considered. The specification and definition of research proposals are examined, as are techniques of research report writing, research management, compliance with regulations and the supervisor's role.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A COURSEWORK weighted at 100% comprising:
Dissertation Proposal (80%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Presentation (20%) (Learning Outcomes 4, 5)
The presentation will be to lecturing staff and a group of peers. all students will be expected to give critical feedback and this will form part of their assessment critieria.
Dissertation Proposal (80%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Presentation (20%) (Learning Outcomes 4, 5)
The presentation will be to lecturing staff and a group of peers. all students will be expected to give critical feedback and this will form part of their assessment critieria.
Module Texts
Recommended texts:
How to Research - 3rd Edition, Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes, Malcome Tight. Open University Press, 2006. ISBN 9780335229536. Availalble on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary).
Creme, P. & Lea, M.R. (2003) Writing at university. Open University Press, McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2006)
Punch, K.F. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals (2nd Ed.), Sage Publications, London. ISBN: 1412921260.
Brett Davies, M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 1403993793.
Sharp, J. A. et al (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (2nd Ed.), Gower, Aldershot. ISBN: 0566084902.
How to Research - 3rd Edition, Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes, Malcome Tight. Open University Press, 2006. ISBN 9780335229536. Availalble on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary).
Creme, P. & Lea, M.R. (2003) Writing at university. Open University Press, McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2006)
Punch, K.F. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals (2nd Ed.), Sage Publications, London. ISBN: 1412921260.
Brett Davies, M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 1403993793.
Sharp, J. A. et al (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (2nd Ed.), Gower, Aldershot. ISBN: 0566084902.
Module Resources
You will need access to these resources:
- The Module Handbook including schedule and module descriptor on the Blackboard virtual learning environment;
- Lecture notes and guided reading material Text books, journals and recommended online sources in the research domain;
- Word processing, statistical analysis and presentation graphics software.
- The Module Handbook including schedule and module descriptor on the Blackboard virtual learning environment;
- Lecture notes and guided reading material Text books, journals and recommended online sources in the research domain;
- Word processing, statistical analysis and presentation graphics software.
Module Learning Strategies
13 hours (lectures); 26 hours (tutorials)
These will be conducted over a 13 week period.
Students will be expected to use and regularly engage with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the delivery of this module. Typically this will be 'Blackboard' and students are expected to work through the module material provided on the VLE at the suggested pace and in accordance with the Learning Activity Plan. The material will include content and activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module.
These will be conducted over a 13 week period.
Students will be expected to use and regularly engage with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the delivery of this module. Typically this will be 'Blackboard' and students are expected to work through the module material provided on the VLE at the suggested pace and in accordance with the Learning Activity Plan. The material will include content and activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module.