Research Methodology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

178 hours

To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in the Master of English in a Global Context. This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

Assignment I Research skills assessments, 2000 words, due early semester 40%

• Part A: Summary of findings of research articles, 1000 words 20%
• Part B: Critical discussion of findings of research articles, 1000 words 20 %

Assignment II Research Plan: 3000 words, due mid semester, 60%

• Part A: Research Report Outline (50%):
• Part B: PowerPoint presentation on research plan (10%)

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.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.