Research Methods

Unit code: AAA5002 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Prerequisites
Successful completion of four units.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study covers a variety of research methods relevant to research in a community development or digital media context. The methodological foundations to various approaches to social research will be critically reviewed. Students will become broadly familiar with the concepts of design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and methods. Students will be able to design research proposal(s) and adopt appropriate research methods. To emphasise skills development in research training, students will practise with (and use) commonly used social research software tools. This unit will also provide an overview of ethical codes of conduct and practices when engaging in research.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Deconstruct the implicit and explicit values, terminology, methods and techniques of the major theoretical paradigms in qualitative and quantitative research methods and interrogate the main criticisms of these methods;
  2. Inquire into a complex or emergent issue in the field demonstrating advanced skills of logical argument, hypothesis formulation and defensible interpretations of evidence;
  3. Discriminate between and theorise about reflexivity and research ethics in different types of research;
  4. Interrogate methodological approaches and choose which to apply to a research proposal;
  5. Develop an outline for a research proposal applicable to a minor research thesis or Community Based Research project.
  6. Participate in an academic community of discourse through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Annotated Bibliography
|
Grade: 20%
An annotated bibliography on a research problem.
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 40%
Engage critically with key aspects of research methodologies and methods
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 40%
Design of a research project
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Required reading

Students will be provided with readings via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Graduate Diploma in Digital Media
AGDM | Graduate diploma | Duration: 1 year
Graduate Diploma in International Community Development
AGID | Graduate diploma | Duration: 1 year
Master of Digital Media
AMDM | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years
Master of International Community Development
AMCD | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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