STU33004 – Research Methods

Source: https://teaching.scss.tcd.ie/module/stu33004-research-methods/ Parent: https://teaching.scss.tcd.ie/msiss-year-3/


Module Code	STU33004
Module Name	Research Methods
ECTS Weighting[1]	5 ECTS
Semester taught	Semester 2
Module Coordinator/s	Nina Bresnihan

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:\ LO1. Define, distinguish and identify secondary and primary data sources;\ LO2. Access data on-line/off-line and in published forms;\ LO3. Define the objectives of a research project;\ LO4. Select an appropriate research design;\ LO5. Compare data sources, collection methods and methods of analysis;\ LO6. Carry out data collection;\ LO7. Analyse the data appropriately;\ LO8. Write up the findings;\ LO9. Summarise, interpret and, where appropriate make recommendations on the results;\ LO10. Present concise reports;\ LO11. Actively participate in conducting research as part of a group.

Module Content

This module introduces the research process. Starting with the formulation of a research question, it covers completing a literature review, choosing an appropriate research design, data collection, data analysis and how to communicate research findings. Working in groups, students put this into practice through the design and implementation of research into the feasibility of a business idea. The final output is a research-based business plan for their chosen idea. Upon completing this course, students should have an understanding of the nature of the research process, drawing upon primary and secondary data sources; be able to locate, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data; and to present the findings.

Teaching and learning Methods

Lectures and Labs

Assessment Details


Assessment Component	Brief Description	Learning Outcomes Addressed	% of total	Week set	Week Due
Individual Project	Literature Review	LO1, LO2, LO5	25%	2	4
Group Project	Preparation and presentation of a business plan and research report	LO1-LO10	60%	3	12
Participation	Participation in class and groupwork	LO11	15%	1

Reassessment Details

Written Assignment 80%

Presentation 20%

Contact Hours and Indicative Student Workload


Contact Hours (scheduled hours per student over full module), broken down by:	33 hours
Lecture	22 hours
Laboratory	11 hours
Tutorial or seminar	0 hours
Other	0 hours
Independent study (outside scheduled contact hours), broken down by:	82 hours
Preparation for classes and review of material (including preparation for examination, if applicable	22 hours
completion of assessments (including examination, if applicable)	60 hours
Total Hours	115 hours

Module Pre-requisites

Prerequisite modules: N/A

Other/alternative non-module prerequisites: N/A

Module Co-requisites

None

Module Website

Blackboard