Credit Points 40

Legacy Code 102817

Coordinator Thierno Diallo Opens in new window

Description This unit requires students to design, plan and manage a research project using existing literature and/or data sets. Students will engage critically and analytically with the literature in the field, and undertake research to evaluate and report on research findings. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor students will develop a research question, conduct a systematic review of literature/write a case study/work on an existing dataset, and write a thesis on a topic related to the social sciences. Through this process, students will gain insight into the various components of the research process. Further, they will demonstrate an ability to identify issues, synthesise salient information, and articulate original ideas to make a practical contribution to the existing body of knowledge relevant to the social sciences.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Studies in Human Society, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 40cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Equivalent Subjects HUMN 7052 - Humanitarian and Development Research Project

Restrictions

Students must have completed 80 credit points in a postgraduate program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Argue for the significance of research and their impact on society
2. Systemically and critically analyse literature and information sources that are related to the identified research question / hypothesis
3. Justify a research proposal in relation to its significance in the literature, its anticipated impact and the ethical considerations involved
4. Apply appropriate research methods and evaluation processes to collate and critically analyse/interpret data
5. Compose a scientific research report that synthesises research findings.
6. Effectively communicate/disseminate findings of a research project to a variety of audiences

Subject Content

1. The scientific method: Origins and general philosophical approaches
2. Qualitative research methods (Philosophy of qualitative research, observation, good practices and criteria, qualitative interviewing, qualitative analysis, mixed methods)
3. Quantitative research methods (research design, measurement, sampling)
4. Practice, Ethics and Integrity
5. Research proposal development
6. Project Report
7. Presentation of research findings