DS33320 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Module Identifier

DS33320

Module Title

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Academic Year

2004/2005

Co-ordinator

Mr Raymond E Lonsdale

Semester

Available all semesters

Other staff

Dr Christine J Urquhart, Dr Christopher M Baggs, Dr David A Stoker, Professor David Ellis

Course delivery

Other

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Compilation of bibliography of 20-30 resources equivalent to 1,500 words - weighted 25%.
Semester Assessment	Critical evaluation of 4 references equivalent to 1,500 words - weighted 25%.
Semester Assessment	Formulation of a research proposal for the research project (3,000 words) - weighted 50%.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

Discuss the nature of research and its relationship to professional practice

Describe the research process and identify the sections of a research proposal

Identify and search bibliographical sources of information about research

Undertake a literature search in the field of Information and Library Science

Demonstrate the principles of a literature review, and evaluate published information sources as a precursor to creating a literature review

Design a simple survey, and be able to use a range of basic descriptive statistics

Explain other relevant quantitative and qualitative research methods such as the case study and the comparative method

Analyse information and data gathered during the course of a project, be able to write a report, and consider ways of disseminating the results

9. describe how to estimate the resources required to carry out the investigation and manage a project

Brief description

The module will help students to plan, propose and execute small scale in-house investigations,. It will lay a foundation for personal research such as for the dissertation, or possibly a masters or other higher degree at a later date. This might not be part of the students? personal agenda at the present time, but continuing professional development plays an increasingly important role in the careers of information workers.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide a basic introduction to research methods which can be used within information and library services.

Content

Unit headings comprise:

1. The development of research in information and library services
2. The research process and writing of the research proposal
3. Survey methods and basic statistics
4. Other research methods
5. Data and information analysis, and report writing
6. Resourcing and managing a small research project

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6