Research Methods for Development

Subject DEVT90041 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject will run over six weeks during the university winter Break. 24 contact hours in total.
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week during the teaching and assessment period.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Subject Overview: This subject will focus on research methods as they apply to development work and an understanding of the various stages of research. formulation of research questions and hypotheses and identifying the most appropriate and feasible approaches to data collection and analysis. the communication and reporting of results. identifying ethical concerns. and how to develop skills in reflexivity. Particular attention will be placed on research techniques including participant observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, action and participatory research techniques, case studies, and the use of secondary and other data sources. It will conclude with a discussion of the cross-cultural context, use of local knowledge and how best to represent and reflect the needs of participants.
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject should

  • be capable of managing development projects in the field, in a manner that is sensitive to local circumstances and needs.
  • acquire skills in cross-cultural analysis.
  • learn the art of writing field notes.
Assessment:

Individual reports totaling 5,000 words, broken down as follows: A fieldwork report of 2,000 words, (40%). a research proposal of 2,500 words, (50%). a joint summary (each participant will contribute 500 words) of a seminar presentation summarizing and critiquing the assigned reading assignment for specified weeks (10%).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts: A reading list will be provided by the subject coordinator.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should

  • demonstrate relevance of the topic to broader development debates.
  • gain and understanding of field methods appropriate for development.
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development Studies
Development Studies
Development Studies

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