CARE08014 2016 Dissertation/Research Project
The aim of this module is to support each student to complete a dissertation/research output on a selected topic. The module consists of ongoing individual support provided by the lecturer. Students will produce an independent piece of research involving the application of skills and knowledge over the whole programme. Students are expected to show critical thinking, understanding of how knowledge is generated and used, follow ethical guidelines and be able to work independently.
This module maps to the CORU Standards of Proficiency below:
Domain 1: Professional Autonomy and Accountability
Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice and Team working
Domain 3 Safety and Quality
Domain 4: Professional Development
Domain 5: Professional Knowledge and Skills
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Design and develop an appropriate, sustainable, rigorous and independent research strategy that is capable of operationalisation and successfully completed to the deadline (Domains: 1.4 1.8, 1.12, 1.13, 2.6, 3.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15)
Independently, systematically and competently manage diverse evidence sources (Domains: 2.9)
Critically identify, evaluate and synthesise research related theoretical frameworks and existent literatures
Critically select and demonstrate the approporiate identification and utilisation of study specific relevant research methodologies (Domains: 1.15, 2.9)
Generate data that this is ethically sourced (Domains: 1.4, 1.15, 1.16, 4.4)
Critically review evidence and demonstrate the ability to collate, interrogate, position and evaluate research findings (Domains: 3.4,5.5, 5.6)
Analytically derive conclusions, juxtaposing these to existent theoretical offerings and situating these within wider discourses by providing recommendations based on research findings
Produce and present a dissertation thesis adhering to best practice social scientific conventions and scholarly expectations (Domains:1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.23, 2.6, 2.9, 3.6, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17)
Teaching and Learning Strategies
One to one supervision of projects will be available to all. Students must attend supervision and are advised to document their weekly progress within this research process.
Students who choose not to attend organised supervision sessions will not be provided with additional supervision.
Module Assessment Strategies
Production of a Dissertation/Research Project not exceeding 10,000 words (excluding bibliography)
Work submitted will be assessed by way marking undertaken by two members of the Social Sciences team. Both will mark work independently, once complete will review work together. If marks are substantially different and/ or agreement on a grade cannot be reached, third-party marking will occur.
The module assessment allows for assessment of CORU Standards of Proficiency as follows:
Dissertation/Final Research Project: Domain 1.4, 1.8, 1.12, 1.13, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.23, 2.6, 2.9, 3.4, 3.6, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17
Repeat Assessments
Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting. This second attempt will be capped at 40%.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
The dissertation/research project.
The student will choose to complete a research project/dissertation. Dissertation/research projects topics chosen will be either student-led or academic-led. They may be empirical work, critical review work or systematic review.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the pre-preparation and planning required to successfully complete a research dissertation/project. They will demonstrate a clear rationale for the research topic chosen
Students must, in consultation with the supervisor, decide on the most appropriate methodology to complete this work e.g. empirical research, extended critical theory review, systematic review.
All students must undertake a rigorous, comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate secondary sources of evidence.
Depending on the research path undertaken, students will complete topics following a recognized research process, as decided in conjunction with their supervisor.
All students will demonstrate a robust understanding of ethics in research and develop appropriate strategies to ensure an ethically sound research dissertation/project.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Project Written | Continuous Assessment | Written Report | 100 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Directed Learning | Flat Classroom | Supervision | 0.5 | Weekly | 0.50 |
Module Resources
Baker, T. (1994) Doing social research. New York: McGraw Hill.
Ballinger, B. (2001) The curious researcher: A guide to writing research papers. Pearson.
Bell, J with S. Waters (2014) Doing your research project. London: OUP, 6th edition
Bryman, A (2012) Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 4th edition
Bulmer, M. (1984) Sociological research methods. London: Macmillan.
Creswell, J. (2012) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. London: Sage. 3rd edition
Denscombe, M (2014) The good research guide for small-scale research projects. Berkshire: Open University Press. 5th edition
Edwards, A. and R. Talbot (1999) The hard-pressed researcher: A research handbook for the caring professions. New York: Longman.
Hughes, J. (1997) The philosophy of social research. London: Longman.
Humphries, B. (ed) (2000) Research in social care and social welfare. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Kane, E. and M. O' Reilly De Brun (2001) Doing your own research. London: Boyars.
May, T. (2011) Social research. London: OUP. 4th edition.
Roberts-Holmes, G. (2005) Doing Your early years research Project. London: Sage.
Sarantakos, S. (2012) Social research. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 4th edition.
Sceale, C. (2012) Researching society and culture. London: Sage, 3rd edition
Silverman, D. (2013) Doing qualitative research. London: Sage, 4th edition
http://sociologicalimagination.org/
http://www.sociology.ie/
https://www.socialcareireland.ie/
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