Research Methodology

Module Identifier
DS33320
Module Title
Research Methodology
Academic Year
2026/2027
Semester
Distance Learning
Co-ordinator
Dr Anoush Simon
Reading List
View on Aspire
Other Staff
Jennie Hill
Ms Tanya Rogers
Dr Allen Foster
Dr Sue Lithgow
Dr Anoush Simon

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Proportion
Semester Assessment Literature Review: 2000 Words 50%
Semester Assessment Proposal: 2000 Words 50%
Supplementary Assessment Literature Review: 2000 Words 50%
Supplementary Assessment Proposal: 2000 Words 50%

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Discuss the nature of research and its relationship to professional practice
  2. Describe the research process and design a research proposal
  3. Identify appropriate bibliographical tools and design an appropriate search strategy to identify relevant sources
  4. Analyse relevant literature and produce a literature review in the field of Information and Library Science
  5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a range of research methods and select and apply the most appropriate methods to a project
  6. Design a simple survey, and be able to use a range of basic descriptive statistics
  7. Explain other relevant quantitative and qualitative research methods such as the case study and the comparative method
  8. Discus approaches to data analysis, select appropriate methods of presenting research data, and ways of disseminating the results of a research project
  9. Describe how to estimate the resources required to carry out the investigation and manage a project

Brief description

The aim of this module is to provide a basic introduction to research methods which can be used within information and library services. It will help you to propose, plan, and carry out a small-scale in-house investigation. It will also lay a foundation for personal research such as for your dissertation, or possibly a masters, or other higher degree at a later date. This might not be a part of your 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

The module will contextualise the role of research in the information and library studies and heritage professions. It provides an introduction to research planning and design; key quantitative and qualitative methods that might be used to carry out a research project; how to gather and manage their date ethically; and how to appropriately analyse and present their
Topics 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. Research ethics and integrity
6. Resourcing and managing a small research project

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Creative Problem Solving Students learn how to identify and investigate problems in the workplace
Critical and analytical thinking Design an appropriate research project based on independent research.
Digital capability Through studying the module, use a range of digital tools to search for and retrieve relevant information, and to analyse research data.
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.
Professional communication Design a workplace research project and suggest how to disseminate the results in a professional setting.
Real world sense This module encompasses the CILIP Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) accreditation criteria: PKSB 09 Research, which includes understanding research process and value, understanding research contexts, and research principles including research ethics.
Reflection Reflection and self management are required in the planning and preparation of a small research project.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6