2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5024M Principles and Practices of Research

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Hendrik Kraetzschmar
Email: h.j.kraetzschmar@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Module replaces

ARAB5006M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces students to the key stages and available methods of conducting independent theory-driven research. The module discusses questions of research design, methods of data gathering and analyses, issues pertaining to the presentation of source materials, as well as the notion of ethics in social enquiry. At the end of the taught component of this module, a research symposium will be held during which each student will make a research presentation with ample opportunity for discussion and feedback. This mini-conference will provide an authentic academic environment for students to hone their ideas with peers and academic staff, and lay a solid foundation for their dissertation.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to introduce postgraduate students to some of the principles and practices of research, and to provide training in intellectual and practical 'tools of the trade'. The module progresses logically and incrementally through the various stages of the research process enabling students to improve their research skills through discussion and practical examples of the questions of research design, methods of data gathering and analyses, issues pertaining to the presentation of source materials, as well as the notion of ethics in social enquiry.

This module is compulsory for all students on the MA Asia Pacific Studies; MA Chinese Business and the Asia Pacific; MA Japanese Studies; MA East Asian Regional Development; and MA Chinese Studies and MA in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:

- Formulate, design and carry out independent theory-driven research
- Identify the key issues, problems, challenges involved in the design of empirical-analytical research
- Critically assess the suitability as well as the pros and cons of selected research methods (data gathering & analysis)

Skills outcomes
Understanding of key social science concepts/methods, ability to design / apply selected data gathering / analysis methods.

Syllabus

The topics covered in the module include:

Research Design:
- Social science research in a cross cultural context
- Research questions, variables and hypotheses
- Qualitative approaches in social sciences
- Quantitative approaches in social sciences
- Ethics in Social Enquiry

Data Gathering:
- Surveys & Questionnaires
- Interviews, focus groups and participant observation

Data Analysis:
- Discourse Analysis
- Area specific considerations

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Research Class	1	8.00	8.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			8.00
Private study hours			264.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

In this module it is envisaged that students will spend their time in the following ways:
(i) student preparation of assignments and end of term proposal and mini conference presentation, (ii) student preparation for lectures and seminars (readings) and (iii) completion of online tutorials on academic integrity / referencing & web of science (tutorials offered by Skills@library)

Specifically time will be spent on:
Independent online learning (online tutorials such as academic integrity/referencing and web of science (tutorials offered by skills@library) 8 hours (total 8 hours)

Private study: (total 266 hours)
Preparatory reading for lectures 60 hours
Preparatory reading for seminars 40 hours
Planning, writing up and review (following feedback) of short weekly assignments 40 hours
Additional reading for research proposal preparation, proposal-planning and writing up 56 hours
Preparation for mini-conference presentation and participation 50 hours
Attendance at EAS/AIMES tea and talk research hub 18 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:
- Written / oral assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires
- Personal tutee appointments
- Tutor office hours

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Oral Presentation	MA research symposium oral presentation	25.00
Research Proposal	2,000 words	25.00
Assignment	Weekly assignments of variable lengths (max 500 words)	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

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2018 09:25:47

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