2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5123M Research Methodology

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Kishore Budha
Email: K.N.Budha@Leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module examines the role of systematic and critical research in understanding social and individual phenomenon. Students learn about a range of research methods relevant to design and applied communication. This module helps students understand problems by framing right questions and employing the most appropriate methodology to find answers with the aim of generating design solutions based on them.

Objectives

To develop advanced and critical understanding of research methods relevant to the fields of design and applied communication. On completion of the module students will be able to undertake an independent research project such as dissertation or creative project at a level sufficient to meet their programme requirements as well as being able to implement evidence-based practice in a design and communication environment.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of/ability to:
• Critical understanding of a range of research philosophies, strategies, techniques, methodologies and issues
• Understand the relationship between design and communication theory and practice
• Comprehensive knowledge in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and applying them to design and communication contexts
• Formulating research questions and critical reflection
• Effective design and implementation of research for design and communication
• Critical analysis of data and using appropriate theories
• Advanced skills in the communication of research findings

Skills outcomes
Writing research proposals
Research design
Research project management
Data analysis using relevant theories

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to the module
Week 2: The role of research in design and communication
Week 3: Literature Review and theory.
Week 4: Identifying and applying theory to a field of study
Week 5: Project Planning and research ethics.
Week 6: Qualitative research - interviews
Week 7: Qualitative research – focus groups
Week 8: Design ethnography
Week 9: Semiotics
Week 10: Narrative research
Week 11: Wicked problems – understanding and identifying complex, inter-related social phenomena

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
presentation	2	4.00	8.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

This module will require significant private study as the students will have to identify and develop their own specialist research topic. The private study will reinforce and extend understanding of the lectures and seminar programme. Whilst students will be introduced to the principle relevant theories, they will be required to conduct extensive reading and background research in order to expand and develop an individual body of knowledge applicable to their own unique research interests.
Two project presentation sessions have been timetabled which facilitates the development of individual research plans.
• Library search, selection of brief: 20 hours
• Identification and critical review of background literature, research methods and other sources: 20 hours
• Preparation of project plan including literature review: 50 hours
• Research: 30 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Interim project planning presentations are scheduled at key strategic points within the module i.e at 4 and 8 weeks. The purpose of these sessions is to provide both formative and diagnostic feedback in order that students can reflect and review their current work and consider amendment or review based on the feedback provided. These sessions are viewed as essential for the development of relevant and informed project plans, literature, research methods, and data collection.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	2000-3000 word research plan	50.00
Literature Review	2000-3000 word literature review	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/08/2018

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