DSM1810 - RESEARCH IN THE PROFESSION

Module Identifier

DSM1810

Module Title

RESEARCH IN THE PROFESSION

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Professor David Ellis

Semester

Available all semesters

Other staff

Dr Allen E Foster

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Asignment 1 Evaluation of one or more research articles, identifying the research questions and assessing their relevance to a particular discipline.	20%
Semester Assessment	Assignment 2 Critical analysis of research methodology and findings.	80%

Learning outcomes

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

identify and comment on the relevance of a research question or series of research questions

evaluate critically, a range of research methods, approaches and techniques

justify the value of evidence based practice

assess and describe how research and evaluation can be applied in specific workplace situations

evaluate potential difficulties faced by the researcher with respect to ethical principles

Brief description

An introduction to research and research methods, with emphasis upon the applicability and use of research in the professional information environment.

Content

Unit 1 discusses the nature of research, its relevance to the information profession and its applicability in the workplace.
Unit 2 looks at strategies for formulating valid research questions and carrying out a piece of research.
Unit 3 discusses the principles of research design.
Unit 4 is concerned with evaluation; how researchers analyse data and present findings.
Unit 5 examines data collection and analysis in practice.
Unit 6 deals with the ethics of research.
Unit 7 looks at research in practice, with examples from the information professions.
Unit 8 covers techniques for reviewing research and drawing conclusions from published research. Evidence-based practice is revisited and research opportunities in the information disciplines highlighted.

Module Skills

Problem solving	Ability to devise research questions to resolve a perceived problem. Necessitates articulation of both problem and method of resolution.
Research skills	Ability to compare and contrast different research methods and analyse fitness for purpose in given situations.
Communication	Ability to digest and summarise questions of research, present findings and challenge published research strategies.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Integral to the scheme through independent learning in DL mode
Team work	Appreciation for the need to work with others in any research project, particularly participant involvement and co-operation
Information Technology	Appreciation of the role played by IT in the analysis of research data
Application of Number	Appreciation for the strength of statistical data and how these data can be manipulated for research purposes
Personal Development and Career planning	Ability to demonstrate how research may be applied in specific professional environments and situations

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7