Research Methodology

This subject is not offered in 2013.

178 hours

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

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 HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

This subject introduces students to a variety of research methods used in a range of fields and provides fundamental knowledge that they need to make rational decisions about research strategies. The subject introduces research methods such as experimental, quasi-experimental, case studies and surveys. Further, it explores ethical constraints, codes of ethics and requirements for gaining ethical approval. A range of research strategies will be introduced through a critical examination of exemplar studies and examining the relationship between research questions and methods of collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. Students will be given guidance in developing researchable questions, writing research proposals and reports and conducting literature reviews. They will also be introduced to basic statistical analyses of data.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• begin to develop researchable questions in areas of research interest;
• write a research proposal;
• make appropriate choices about research strategies;
• review literature judiciously and systematically;
• understand and begin to apply the principles of gathering suitable data;
• understand and begin to conduct appropriate analyses of data;
• report findings accurately and concisely;
• demonstrate sensitivity to ethical issues raised by research with people;
• write an ethics application suitable for higher degree studies;
• begin to critically analyse own research and the research of others.

Critique of Research article, 1250 words, due early in the semester 25%
Presentation of research plan, 1250 words, due mid semester 25%
Research Report 2500 words, due end of semester 50%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.