Unit Outline
Faculty of Business, Government & Law
Unit title
Research Methods PG
Unit code
9505
.
Page 1 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
This Unit Outline must be read in conjunction with:
a) UC Student Guide to Policies, which sets out University-wide policies and procedures, including
information on matters such as plagiarism, grade descriptors, moderation, feedback and deferred
exams, and is available at (scroll to bottom of page)
http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-services
b) UC Guide to Student Services, and is available at (scroll to bottom of page)
http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-services
c) Any additional information specified in section 6h.
1:
General Information
1.1
Unit title
Research Methods PG
1.2
Unit number
9505
1.3
Teaching Period and year offered
Semester 3 2015
1.4
Credit point value
3 credit points
1.5
Unit level
PG
1.6
Unit Convenor
Donna Gill
Email: donna_louise_gill@rim.edu.bt
Phone # 02 351013/351014
1.7
Administrative contact details
Karma Tshomo
Program Assistant
Email: karma_tshomo@rim.edu.bt
Phone # 02 351013/351014
Page 2 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
Communication within this unit
The University provides you with a student e-mail address. The University uses this address for
official correspondence and it is used for Moodle access. Use of non-student e-mail addresses to
communicate will lead to delay or non-response they may be screened out by spam filters and
not received. You are strongly advised to check your student email account regularly for new
messages. Information on how to access your student e-mail and how to re-direct it to your
private e-mail account is available at: http://www.canberra.edu.au/itm/studentsupport/communication/email
2:
Academic Content
2a
Unit description and learning outcomes
This unit aims to provide the knowledge of research including both qualitative and quantitative
research and their accompanying methods. Specifically, the course introduces the nature of research
is and how one can locate, identify, and critique research, construct research questions, and define
the aims and objectives of the research project. Research design and methodologies will be explored
as will the ability to critically analyze and translate these findings into work that can be published in
the form of research report/project.
A research proposal will be prepared in consultation with the unit conveners and shall equip
students to conduct future field research.
This is a demanding class but one that should reward you handsomely in your future work place and
your everyday life. Therefore, the unit demands your hard work and commitment with honesty to
assigned readings, exercises and active participation in the class and outside.
2b. Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. demonstrate the understanding of key terms and concepts commonly used in research;
including literature review, identifying interesting research question(s), setting aims and
objectives, choosing proper research design and methodologies to collect data, and analyze
and perform basic statistical methods.
2. Prepare a research proposal with clear statement of the problem, aims and objective setting,
hypothesis/research question, identifying clear research design and methodology,
requirement of data sources and types, methods for the field research and finally acquire the
capacity to write and present the research report to a high standard.
2b
Generic skills
This unit is just one component of your degree studies. Across the whole course leading to your degree
you are expected to develop skills and attributes across five generic areas – see
http://www.canberra.edu.au/learning-teaching/student-support/uc-graduate-attributes
It is not expected that all generic skills will be equally dealt with in the one unit.
This unit concentrates on particular generic skills as indicated below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Critical thinking
Problem identification and decision making
Collecting, analysing and interpreting relevant information
Effective communication, both verbally and written
Digital literacy/use ICT at work
Conduct independent study and self development
Apply stringent ethical standards
Page 3 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
2c
Prerequisites and/or co-requisites
3:
Delivery of Unit and Timetable
3a
Delivery mode
The unit comprises a mixture of face to face learning, interactive practice based methods and digital
technology including use of statistical programs, and independent study.
3b
Timetable of activities
Day/Tim
e
Mon 14
Sept
am
Topic
Convene
r
Donna
Gill
Introduction and overview:
Summary of unit outline and assessment
What is research. The research process.
Types of research, aims and objectives
Research process and approaches/design: qualitative versus quantitative and
mixed methods
Mon 14
Sept
pm
Donna
Gill
Research Question and Objectives
What is a good relevant research topic and how to find one
Techniques in selecting, defining and framing research problem/questions and
objectives
Criteria of good research
Tues 15
Sept
am
Literature Review (LR)
Donna
Gill
What is a Literature Review. Purpose of a literature review
How does the literature review inform your research question
Sources and how to construct a literature review, citation, references
What is critical argument? How to frame premises or arguments?
Tues 15
Sept
pm
Hypothesis Development, Theoretical Framework and Developing a
Research Proposal
Donna
Gill
What is a hypothesis. How to write hypotheses
Purpose and development of a theoretical framework
Components and expectations of a Research Proposal
Wed 16
Sept am
Qualitative Research Method
Donna
Gill
Page 4 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
Types of data (primary and secondary)
When to use Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research Tools
Selecting appropriate methods for data collection
Wed 16
Sept pm
Quantitative Research Method
Donna
Gill
What are variables and how we use them in quantitative research
The concepts of measurement error, validity and reliability
Four types of measurement scales
Scaling techniques frequently used
Thurs 17
Sept am
Questionnaire Design
Principles of wording
Donna
Gill
Principles of measurement
General appearance of the questionnaire
Thurs 17
Sept pm
Sampling Design:
Donna
Gill
Different types of sampling designs (probability and non probability)
Steps in sampling designs
Characteristics of good sample designs
Fri 18
Sept am
Introduction to SPSS
Donna
Gill
Demonstration: exploring frequency distribution & computing basic
descriptive stats
Demonstration: Independent Samples t-Test
Demonstration: One-way ANOVA
Demonstration: Cross-tabulation and Chi-Square Test
Outcome: Be able to use SPSS software program; and carry out simple
analyses and interpretation
Fri 18
Sept pm
Report Writing and Presentation
Donna
Gill
Components, steps and layout in report writing and tips for presentation
4:
Unit Resources
4a
Required textbook
1. Sekaran, U and Bougie, R (2010), ‘Research Methods for Business – A Skill Building
Approach, (10th edition) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Page 5 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
4b
Lists of recommended texts/readings
1. Kothari, C.R, (2004) ‘Research Methodology:Methods and Techniques’ (2nd revised
edition),
2. Kotler, P, (2006), ‘Marketing Management: Chapter on Marketing research, (12 edition),
pearson.
3. Kayrooz, C and Trevitt, C, (2005), ‘Research in Organization and Communities: tales from
real world. National Library of Australia.
4. Hoover, K and Donavan, T (n.d) ‘Element of Social Scientific Thinking’ 10th edition,
Wardsword Clengage Learning.
5. Bryman, Alan, Social Research Methods. (3d edition) Oxford University
Press, 2008, Chapter 1 .
6. Creswell, John W., Research Design (3 edition). SAGE, 2009, Chapter 1
Frankfort-Nachmias, Chava and David Nachmias, Research Methods in the Social Sciences,
(7 edition), Worth Publishers 2008, Chapter 1
7. Geddes, Barbara. (1990) “How the Cases You Choose Affect the Answers You Get: Selection
Bias in Comparative Politics.” In James. A Stimson, ed.,Political Analysis, Volume The
University of Michigan Press.
8. Goldstein, Kenneth. (2002) “Getting in the Door: Sampling and Completing Elite Interviews.”
PS: Political Science and Politics. 35(4): 669-672.
9. Humphreys, Macartan and Jeremy M. Weinstein, “Field Experiments and the Political
Economy of Development,” Annual Review of Political Science 2009 12 (1): 367-378
10. King, Gary, Robert O. Keohane, and Sidney Verba. (1994) Designing Social Inquiry:
Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research. Princeton University Press, Chapters 1 and 4.
11. Lijphart, Arend. Patterns of Democracy: (1999) Government Forms and Performance in
Thirty-Six Countries. Yale University Press.
4c
Materials and equipment
No additional equipment required.
4d
Unit Moodle site
The unit outline shall be available through Institute’s Learning Management System (LMS)
Moodle. The materials and other information shall be made available through email group,
program assistant and other accessible communication modes.
5:
Assessment
5a
Assessment overview
The following assessments shall be undertaken to evaluate the student. The Academic Progress Policy
demands each student to obtain a minimum of 50% in the overall assessment. The final overall
assessment will be deduced out of 100%.
Assessment
Time/Length
Weight
1 hr
Mode
of Due Date/Time
Submission
Hard copy
18 Sept, 2015
1.In-class test
2.Individual
3,000 words
Hard
21 Oct, 2015
80%
Total
100%
Research Proposal
and
20%
Soft copy
Page 6 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
5b. Assessment item description including assessment criteria
Assessment 1: In-class Test -20%
Due Date:
Thursday in class – 1hour duration
Length:
N/A
Value:
20 marks
This open book exam is to get you to reflect on what you’re learning in class time and to gain early
feedback for the course.
Although it is run under exam-conditions, you are able to bring your book/ notes into the exam. No
electronic devices are allowed.
Assessment 2: Individual Research Proposal- 80%
The basic idea of conducting a research is about how well your proposal qualifies for funding or
formulating a sound research design. The proposal shall be assessed for 100 marks which will be
rounded to 80%. It will be assessed on the basis of following criteria:
1. Introduction: 15 Marks
2. Literature review: 25 marks
3. Theoretical Framework: 10 marks
4. Research Method: 25 Marks
5. Data Analysis: 10 marks
6. Limitations: 5 marks
7. Overall presentation and structure: 5 marks
8. References: 5 marks
The details of sub components of assessment are attached in Annexure 2.
5c
Submission of assessment items
All assessment items will be submitted online via the unit Moodle site. The first page of each
assessment submission should include the following information:
Student Name:
Student ID:
Assessment Name:
Word Count (if applicable):
5d
Special assessment requirements
5e
Supplementary assessment
Refer to the UC Supplementary Assessment Policy
5f
Academic Integrity
Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good
scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others’ work must be
Page 7 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are
dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Please see UC's Academic Integrity
Policy.
To enhance understanding of academic integrity, it is expected that all students will complete
the LearnOnline Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study.
The module is automatically available as a listed site when students log into LearnOnline.
5g
Use of text-matching software
The University of Canberra has available, through LearnOnline (Moodle), text-matching
software that helps students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understandings of
academic integrity. Known as URKUND, the software matches submitted text in student
assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals,
and previously submitted student texts. Click here for further information on the URKUND
text-matching software.
6:
Student Responsibility
6a
Workload
The amount of time you will need to spend on study in this unit will depend on a number of
factors including your prior knowledge, learning skill level and learning style. Nevertheless, in
planning your time commitments you should note that for a 3cp unit the total notional
workload over the semester or term is assumed to be 150 hours. These hours include time
spent in classes. The total workload for units of different credit point value should vary
proportionally. For example, for a 6cp unit the total notional workload over a semester or term
is assumed to be 300 hours.
6b
Inclusion and Welfare
Students who need assistance in undertaking the unit because of disability or other
circumstances should inform their Unit Convener or Inclusion and Welfare as soon as possible
so the necessary arrangements can be made.
6c
Participation requirements
Students are required to attend all of the face to face sessions scheduled for this unit.
6d
Withdrawal
If you are planning to withdraw please discuss with your unit convener. Please see Withdrawal
of Units for further information on deadlines.
6e
Required IT skills
Wordprocessing, Internet searching
6f
In-Unit Costs
(Note: To calculate your unit fees see: How do I calculate my fees?.
The online UC Co-op Textbook Search is available for purchasing text books.)
6g
Work placements, internships or practicums
N/A
6h
Additional information
N/A
Page 8 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
7:
Student Feedback
All students enrolled in this unit will have an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on
the unit at the end of the Semester via the Unit Satisfaction Survey (USS) which you can
access by logging into MyUC via the UC homepage: http://www.canberra.edu.au/home/. Your
lecturer or tutor may also invite you to provide more detailed feedback on their teaching
through an anonymous questionnaire.
8:
Authority of this Unit Outline
Any change to the information contained in Section 2 (Academic content), and Section 5
(Assessment) of this document, will only be made by the Unit Convener if the written
agreement of Head of Discipline and a majority of students has been obtained; and if written
advice of the change is then provided on the unit site in the learning management system. If
this is not possible, written advice of the change must be then forwarded to each student
enrolled in the unit at their registered term address. Any individual student who believes
him/herself to be disadvantaged by a change is encouraged to discuss the matter with the Unit
Convener.
Page 9 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
ANNEXURE 1: ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
Student Code/ID:
Name
Unit code
Submitted to
Assignment title
Word count
CHECKLIST
I have:
Followed the referencing rules set out in the unit outline .
Declaration
I acknowledge that:
this assignment is my own work
this assignment is expressed predominantly in my own words
the words and ideas of others, where used, are properly used and acknowledged
no part of this assignment has been previously submitted for assessment.
I understand that by submitting my work to in both soft and hard copy to Royal Institute of
Management (RIM), it will be maintained within the premises of Institute’s Academic Policy.
Signature
Date:
Time:
Page 10 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K
Annexure 2
MASTERS 2015
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Name:………………………………………………………………………....................
Sl no
1. Introduction
Focus Area
- Includes background, significance and
statement of the research problem.
- Clearly outlines the research questions
- Delimitations and definitions
2. Literature Review
-
3. Theoretical Framework
-
4. Research Method
-
5. Data Analysis
-
6. Limitations etc
-
7. Overall presentation and
structure of the report
8. Referencing
-
Marks
15 marks
Appropriate literature for the aims of the
proposed study
Strength and logic of developing
arguments
Continuity between the current research
and previous research
Critical meaningful analysis and
sufficient depth of discussion
Identification of variables in a flow chart
diagram
Selection of research design
Justification of sampling design
Logic and reason for choosing the
proposed methods.
25 marks
Outline how the data will be analysed
(i.e. which specific data techniques)
Analysis is planned according to research
questions
How anticipated limitations of the
research may be overcome
Continuity between the components, use
of subheadings, writing style etc.
Correct referencing style used (both intext and reference list)
Total
10 marks
10 marks
25 marks
5 marks
5 marks
5 marks
100
Date and signature:……………………
Page 11 of 11
Australian Government Higher Education (CRICOS)
Registered Provider number: #00212K