Module Identifier DS33320  
Module Title RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Raymond E Lonsdale  
Semester Available all semesters  
Other staff Dr Christopher M Baggs, Dr Christine J Urquhart, Dr David A Stoker, Professor David Ellis, Ms Tanya C Rogers  
Course delivery Other    
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Compilation of bibliography of 20-30 resources equivalent to 1,500 words - weighted 25%. 
Semester Assessment Formulation of a research proposal for the research project (3,000 words) - weighted 50%. 
Semester Assessment Critical evaluation of 4 references equivalent to 1,500 words - weighted 25%. 

Learning outcomes

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










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

Module Skills

Problem_solving The module offers basic training for learners which will enable them to investigate problems within the fields of information and library studies.  
Research skills The whole module is designed to develop the research skills of the student.  
Communication With regard to written communication, the three assignments require different forms of academic writing (reviews, report proposal and essay and bibliographical compilation). The ability to handle different academic writing conventions is an assessment criterion for each assignment.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Self management is a requirement for some of the exercises which necessitate preparation, and the assignments also demand that students are able to manage their time.  
Information Technology Students have to undertake Internet searching, and identify and exploit electronic resources as part of post-lecture exercises and for assignments 1 and 3. No overt assessment is made of the skills.  
Application of Number The units on quantitative methodologies, and data analysis and presentation require the students to use and analyse numerical information.  
Personal Development and Career planning This module is designed to equip students to undertake research in the professional context, and as such offers an awareness of their career needs.  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6