|
 Academic Year:
| 2013/4 |
| Owning Department/School:
| Department of Social & Policy Sciences |
| Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: To introduce students to research methods used in international development and policy analysis. To enable students to understand the application of these methods in relation to different research needs. To formulate a research synopsis containing a clear research question and with plans for a possible answer. To develop skills in preparing and giving presentations; to develop skills in locating and organising suitable data and literature for a dissertation. To develop skills in structuring a dissertation. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students should have: * An understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods * A critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different methods with respect to different research objectives in international development and policy analysis. * An awareness of the ethical issues raised by the use of different methods across a range of contexts. * A deeper and more critical understanding of how to formulate and develop an original research question. * Improved skills in researching, presenting and critically appraising possible topics. Skills: Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (Taught/Facilitated) Concise, time-bound and effective written communication (e.g. briefings / exams) (T/F/Assessed) Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations) (T/F) Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F) Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F) Ability to formulate a research question, then develop and present an original & coherent answer (T/F/A) Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F) Ability to work independently, without close supervision oR guidance (T/F). Content: * Introduction to research methodology; * Quantitative methods: surveys and statistical analysis; * Qualitative methods: semi-structured interviews; focus groups; ethnographic and participatory methods; * Mixed method approaches; * Formulating a research question and planning a dissertation. |
| Programme availability: |
SP50219 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
SP50219 is available for Auditing on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
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