Conceptualising and Contextualising Research

Unit code: ROP8001 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
N/A
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit provides students with the opportunity to conceptualise and contextualise their proposed research within appropriate disciplinary discourses and paradigms as they develop their candidature proposal. It will develop their capacity to recognise and contextualise research questions or hypotheses within those disciplinary frameworks, and provide them with the opportunity to explore theoretical frameworks and research methodologies and techniques in relation to their particular research area.


Topics Include: framing a research question and significance; positioning the research project in the scholarly literature; research approaches and design; academic communication.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Formulate an original and significant research question or problem that their research will address;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the research paradigms informing research discipline(s);
  3. Identify and specify how they will apply key theories, methodologies and methods that relate to their area of research and research design;
  4. Locate their research project within existing knowledge as represented in the scholarly literature; and,
  5. Develop advanced skills of written and spoken academic communication.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 20%
2 short initial writing tasks (research question/s and aims; disciplinary writing conventions)
Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 50%
Research Proposal Essay (including plan) to outline research proposal using criteria from Confirmation of Candidature
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 15%
Abstract outlining proposed research project.
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 15%
12-minute oral presentation on research problem and proposal.

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

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

Doctor of Philosophy
UPAF | Doctoral degree | Duration: 4 years
Doctor of Philosophy
UPAD | Doctoral degree | Duration: 4 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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