Research Methodology
Outcomes
At the successful conclusion of this designated program students should be able to:
- describe and constructively criticise qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches to research
- access, read, synthesise and critically assess published research reports; analysing the strengths and weaknesses of different research strategies, approaches to data collection and methods of analysis
- develop and specify methodological plans for a range of research purposes
- carry out core elements of research (literature reviews, methodological proposals, data collection, analysis, discussion and reporting) to a high standard for quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies
- analyse and constructively review their own, and others', research proposals in terms of reliability, validity and other evaluative concepts
- understand and critically discuss the major issues in the conduct of ethical research
- report on research in a range of formats and genres (draft publications, dissertation, research proposals, presentations, technical reports).
Master of Education (Research Methodology)
To qualify for the award of Master of Education (Research Methodology) candidates must complete 8 units of study (48 credit points), including
- a minimum of 5 units of study (30 credit points) from this specialisation, comprising
4 units of study (24 credit points) of core units; and
a minimum of 1 unit of study (6 credit points) of elective units from the table listed below; plus - a minimum of 1 unit of study (6 credit points) of capstone units; and
- a maximum of 2 units of study (12 credit points) of postgraduate Education units which can be chosen from any designation within the Master of Education program.
Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Research Methodology)
To qualify for the award Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Research Methodology) candidates must complete 6 units of study (36 credit points), comprising
- 4 units of study (24 credit points) of core units; and
- a minimum of 1 unit of study (6 credit points) of elective units from the table listed below; plus
- a maximum of 1 units of study (6 credit points) of postgraduate Education units which can be chosen from any designation within the Master of Education program.
Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Research Methodology)
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Research Methodology) candidates must complete 4 units of study (24 credit points), comprising
- a minimum of 3 units of study (18 credit points) of core units; and
- a maximum of 1 unit of study (6 credit points) of elective units from the table below.
Course convenor
Dr Rachel Wilson
T 02 9351 6390
Room 526, Education Building, A35
E
Units of study table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Methodology |
|||
Core units |
|||
| EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective units |
|||
| EDPB5018 Investigating International Education |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK6001 Adv Qualitative Research Methods |
6 | P EDPK5001 or EDPK5003 |
Semester 2 |
| EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Capstone units |
|||
| EDPZ6730 Special Project 1 |
6 | P submit a proposal Approval is contingent upon a staff member with relevant interests being available to supervise the proposed project. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1 |
6 | P submit a proposal and have it approved prior to enrolling Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 |
6 | P EDPZ6724 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| EDPZ6720 Dissertation |
12 | P submit a proposal for dissertation and have it approved prior to enrolling Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Units of study listing
Research Methodology
Core units
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: S1: 1x2hr seminar/week x 13 weeks; S2: 2 x 2 hrs/week x 6 weeks Assessment: observation and report (50%) and interview and report (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major issues underlying qualitative research. It examines the relationship between research questions and appropriate study designs, as well as the issues of sampling and ethical considerations. Students will develop extensive skills in the use of various interviewing and observation techniques.
EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of quantitative research methods (40%) and research analysis using SPSS (40%) and presentations (10%); and 2 multiple choice class tests (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of quantitative research. Both experimental and survey research strategies are considered; starting with design and development of the research tools (measures, questionnaires, interviews, observation) and progressing to basic analytical statistical methods. The unit provides a thorough introduction to simple statistics and often looks at real research data examples. By the end of the semester students will have developed various research skills as well as a critical perspective on the appropriate application of those skills.
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: weekly exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. It covers a wide range of basic research techniques and introduces other research methods that are the focus of more in-depth study in other search methods units. Reseach design issues and various methods of data collection examined. Students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches; various research strategies; observation, documents, questionnaires and assessments. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of statistical analysis methods (50%) and statistical modeling of data report/draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides the conceptual understanding and skills necessary for the analysis numeric data. Thus, it is useful for those students intending to employ questionnaires, tests or any other form of quantitative data collection in their research. A range of bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques are introduced and explored both conceptually and practically. The topics covered include levels of measurement,exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance, linear regression, factor analysis and a review of emerging multivariate techniques. Direct experience in the use of appropriate software packages (SPSS) to carry out these analyses on real data sets will be provided and students are welcome to bring their own data along to work on.
Elective units
EDPB5018 Investigating International Education
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Anthony Welch Session: Semester 2 Classes: on-line Assessment: 500wd minor overview (10%) and 1200wd review essay (20%) and 1500wd minor essay (20%) and 2500wd case study (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Investigation and analysis of modes of research in international education, and associated issues in cross-cultural research. Opportunity to apply skills and perspectives gained in previous study to a particular strategic, policy or theoretical problem that relates to a defined geographical context, policy setting, or program. Students will review, research, and analyse modes of research, with support provided through relevant materials. Issues of data quality and range, the role of international organisations in providing data and shaping debates, and issues of power that should be negotiated in cross-cultural setting will be examined.
EDPK6001 Adv Qualitative Research Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: EDPK5001 or EDPK5003 Assessment: group presentation of research method (25%) and review of research approaches (25%) and research report/draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit develops students' skills in qualitative research methods to a higher level, extending them beyond the essential methods covered in EDPK5001. Students will become familiar with more sophisticated qualitative research methods including ethnography, embedded case studies, focus groups, grounded theory and phenomenography.
EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: critical review (40%) and journal article draft (50%) and seminar presentation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major forms of qualitative data arising from social science and humanities-based inquiry, and the associated analytical techniques. Links between theory and methods are emphasised. Analytical techniques associated with grounded theory, ethnography, content analysis and narrative approaches are considered. The unit is oriented towards the analysis of data already collected by students and aims to provide them with skills to complete this aspect of a research project.
Capstone units
EDPZ6730 Special Project 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several sessions with supervisor Prerequisites: submit a proposal Assessment: 1x6000wd report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Approval is contingent upon a staff member with relevant interests being available to supervise the proposed project.
Special Project is a capstone unit, semester length independent investigation of a personally chosen topic in an educational context, the result of which is a 'product' of approximately 6,000 words such as a written report, review, account of the development of a resource, analysis of action or critique of research. All 'products' should be demonstrably informed by relevant theory and research. The satisfactory completion of this unit provides an alternative to the regular face-to-face classroom unit of study for candidates enrolled in a graduate coursework award.
EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several meetings/discussions with supervisor Prerequisites: submit a proposal and have it approved prior to enrolling Assessment: satisfactory progress during semester; students then must enrol in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 the following semester. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part one of the Dissertation which runs over two semesters; therefore, students must also enroll in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 in the following semester..
EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several meetings/discussions with supervisor Prerequisites: EDPZ6724 Assessment: 1x12000wd report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part two of the Dissertation which runs over two semester; therefore, students must have also enrolled in EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1 in the previous semester.
EDPZ6720 Dissertation
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several meetings/discussions with supervisor. Prerequisites: submit a proposal for dissertation and have it approved prior to enrolling Assessment: 1x12000wd report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Method unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development.