Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches

• Unit Code

  RES5115

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  5

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Johnny Su Hau LO

Description

The unit introduces the principles underlying the theory of knowledge and how this affects the approaches taken in research, before addressing the principles of research design. Students are exposed to a range of specific research methods. The unit considers issues and methods relevant to various forms of research, as well as the gathering, analysis and presentation of findings. The unit provides students with a foundation on which they will be expected to build for their research study.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse how cultural, social and institutional perspectives influence the construction of knowledge.
2. Apply and interpret data analysis processes.
3. Apply research design to the construction of research questions, aims and hypotheses.
4. Construct sound research arguments and propositions.
5. Evaluate the rigour and relevance of research literature.
6. Select, evaluate, and apply a research methodology to address a specific research question.

Unit Content

1. Communicating research.
2. Construction and framing of research questions, aims, hypotheses.
3. Criteria for evaluating a research study.
4. Critical thinking and the construction of arguments.
5. Ontology, Epistemology and theoretical frameworks.
6. Research Design.
7. Research Process and the use and citing of literature.
8. Research methods: qualitative, quantitative and other approaches; principles, terminology and analysis of different types of research data; strengths and limitations of different methodologies.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

lectures, workshops, discussion groups

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Collins, H. (2017). Creative research : the theory and practice of research for the creative industries (Second edition.). New York: Fairchild Books. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/957223388
• Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (Third edition). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1030813094
• Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Amongst Five Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/954104455
• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. David. (2018). Research design : qualitative, quantitative & mixed methods approaches (5th edition. International student edition.). Los Angeles: SAGE. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1004576152