University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: UPSN8A-60-M Title: Doctoral Research Methods Project Version: 2
Level: M UWE credit rating: 60 ECTS credit rating: 30
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Sociology
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Postgraduate Research Degrees Awards.
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to demonstrate:
1. An advanced ability to operationalise research questions of direct consequence to their doctoral research (assessment component A, both elements );
2. An advanced understanding of a range of methods appropriate for their doctoral research, and the ability to both evaluate critically these methods, and justify their use (assessment component A, both elements);
3. An advanced knowledge of techniques of sampling and data gathering appropriate for their doctoral research (assessment component A, both elements);
4. An advanced knowledge of techniques of data analysis and the presentation of research data appropriate for their doctoral research (assessment component A, both elements);
5. An advanced understanding of key philosophical and ethical issues relating to their doctoral research (assessment component A, both elements).
Syllabus outline:
This module is designed to give doctoral students the equivalent of 60 master’s level credits of research training. This module co-exists with existing research methodology lectures and workshops for doctoral students, and sits alongside their research as an independent project feeding into their thesis and other doctoral outputs. Using the guidance of their supervision team the student will produce a research portfolio consisting of two assessed elements:
.
1. A Self-Reflexive Research Diary of 3-4,000 words which documents the student’s evolving critical understanding of the research methodology used in their research design, and promotion of good practice in relation to data collection, storage and organisation. The diary should demonstrate sustained self reflection on method, theory and practice. (Learning outcomes, 2, 4, 5)
2. A Report of 8-10,000 words. The report should contain
a) Documented evidence of the operationalisation of doctoral research questions through, for example, an interview or questionnaire schedule (learning outcome 1).
b) A critical appraisal of research methodologies which should take the form of either reports or field notes that assess the merits of different methodologies in relation to the students research and contain comprehensive reference to existing literature in the field. (Learning outcome 2).
c) Details of sampling and data gathering techniques used in the thesis together with a rationale for using these techniques. (Learning outcome 3).
d) A short report of initial findings and a revised research schedule for completion of the project together with a chapter plan for the final thesis. (learning outcome 4)
e) A discussion of the key philosophical issues relating to the student’s doctoral research and a clear statement of any ethical issues surrounding the research project (learning outcome 5)
Teaching and learning methods:
This is an independently researched methodology project supervised by the doctoral student’s supervision team.
Indicative sources:
Atkinson, P. (1992) Understanding Ethnographic Texts. London: Sage.
Banks, M. (2001) Visual Methods in Social Research. London: Sage.
Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds). (1994) Handbook of Qualitative Research.
Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
Fay, B. (1996) Contemporary Philosophy of Social Science. Oxford: Blackwell.
Hart, C. (2001) Doing a Literature Search. London: Sage.
May, T. (1993) Social Research Issues, Process and Methods. Buckingham: Open
University Press.
Philips, E and Pugh, D. (1994, 2nd ed) How to Get a PhD. London: Open University Press
Reason, P. (ed) (1994) Participation in Human Inquiry. London: Sage.
Stein, S. (1999) Learning, Teaching and Researching on the Internet. London: Longman.
de Vaus, D. (2001) Research Design in Social Research. London: Sage.
Wright, D.B. (1997) Understanding Statistics. London: Sage.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules at levels 0-3 only) A: 100% B: n/a
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
Research portfolio consisting of
1. A Reflexive Research Diary of 3-4,000 words 40%
2. A Report of 8-10,000 words 60%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
Research portfolio consisting of
1. A Reflexive Research Diary of 3-4,000 words 40%
2. A Report of 8-10,000 words 60%
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …Approved VARSC Chair’s action………Date …02.02.05………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)