The module contains an introduction to basic research and presentation skills such as literature research and reporting of research findings. There is also an introduction to the nature of research and the reasons for research investigations, identifying and defining research questions and hypotheses. An overview of research methods is provided 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 supervisors role. Ethical issues relating to the investigation, experimentation, industrial collaboration and publication of research findings are addressed. The module includes advice on writing a Learning Contract and forming an individual and detailed plan of work to form the basis of an agreed plan of research in consultation with an appropriate supervisor.
Note: where the word 'originality' appears in this Module Descriptor, this is taken to mean work that is original to the student, rather than to the world in general. Thus, an original piece of work would be one that the student has produced on his or her own initiative that is does not draw heavily on the work of others. A demonstration of originality would mean that the student shows innovation and/or initiative in arriving at an idea, a conclusion or an artefact. It is not expected that the item would be completely original in the sense of never having been done before.

These learning strategies will occupy your time:
- Keynote lectures are used to indicate the main points of the core material;
- Student-led seminars, demonstrations or debating sessions will be used where appropriate to develop discursive skills;
- There will be a heavy emphasis on independent learning as a facilitator of research;
- Students will be invited to attend the programme of regular seminars and presentations given by researchers and external speakers as part of the faculty research activity.

The delivery of the module is as follows:
- 12 hours keynote lectures delivering the core topics;
- 8 hours staff-led tutorials
- 20 hours direct supervision sessions
- 260 hours independent learning

100% Coursework, consisting of 2 items with equal weighting:

1) A 'mini' research proposal and project (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
- A 'mini' project proposal, which states research objectives and reflects the understanding of the research problem in its context and methods adopted in the research;
- Produce a written paper and give presentation of 'mini' research project carried out.

2) A Learning Contract (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4) forming an individual and detailed plan of work to form the basis of an agreed plan of research in consultation with an appropriate supervisor.

Entry to at least Level M study on a course with a substantial research or dissertation component.

CE00226-M, Research Methods and Proposal on the MSc Computing Science Programme (Conversion & Enhanced etc.) is a disqualified combination.

Recommended texts:
Sharp, J. A. et al (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (2nd Ed.), Gower, Aldershot. ISBN: 0566084902
Oliver, P. (1997) Research for Business, Marketing and Education, Hodder Headline, London.
Cornford, T. and Smithson, S. (1996) Project Research in Information Systems: a Student's Guide. Macmillan Publishing, ISBN: 0333644212
Marshall, C. and Rossman, G.B. (1999) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage Publications, London, ISBN: 0761913408

You will need access to these resources:
- The Module Handbook including schedule and module descriptor
- Lecture notes and guided reading material given out by the module team
- Text books, journals and web-sites in the research domain
- Word processing, statistical analysis and presentation graphics software for use in the mini-project