Research Design (SP0059)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-GRRD

The course provides an introduction to the main issues involved in designing a research project. Research design requires that decisions be made about how research is to be carried out, and what procedures are needed if the aims are to be realised. The researcher has to be confident that the conclusions drawn are well-grounded logically and empirically. The course does not provide a training in research methods, nor an exhaustive checklist of points that should be considered when designing research. It concentrates on the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of research design as they relate to the aims, objectives and theoretical underpinnings of any piece of research. Students are actively encouraged to relate the concerns of the course to their own research project.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Research Skill in the Social Sciences:Data Collection or other similar experience

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

1. A broad understanding of the range of choices that must be made in every
aspect of the design of any piece of research, and of the issues that need
to be taken into account in making these choices

2. An ability critically to assess the design of the piece of research that
the student will undertake as part of his/her current degree