HMT4005 Research Design

Contents

• Staffing
• Requisites
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

REQUISITES

RATIONALE

Honours level students currently undertaking communications, humanities and social sciences dissertations and research projects require knowledge of a range of techniques for researching and writing the dissertation. The student needs to be able to survey a field of literature, identify a research problem, decide on research objectives and select appropriate method/s to carry out the research. Students also need to ensure epistemological consistency between their aims, methodologies, data collection and analysis of results in a manner appropriate to their discipline areas.

SYNOPSIS

This course examines different methods of approaching a review of literature relevant to a research topic, culminating in the identification and refinement of research questions or hypotheses. It looks at how to select appropriate methods for answering the research question or testing hypotheses. Finally it discusses different approaches to presenting research data.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. define their chosen dissertation topic
2. present a thorough review of existing literature related to their chosen dissertation topic
3. present and defend a methodology of research appropriate to their chosen dissertation topic
4. evaluate the epistemological consistency of their proposed methodology, data collection and analysis of results with their research aims
5. provide a substantial outline of their proposed dissertation, including timelines
6. demonstrate an understanding of the use of a range of electronic databases and/or a range of primary sources
7. demonstrate an understanding of appropriate use of informed consent and ethical clearance documentation
8. critique existing research reports from a range of critical perspectives
9. demonstrate an understanding of how academic dissertations are presented
10. demonstrate an awareness of at least one accepted referencing system

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Texts and Materials will be advised by staff in the Honours program.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Anderson, J & Poole, M 1994, Thesis and Assignment Writing, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Qld.

Ballenger, B 1994, The Curious Researcher: A Guide to Writing Rersearch Papers, Allyn & Bacon, Needham Heights, MA.

Barzun, J & Graff, H 2004, The modern researcher, 6th edn, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, San Diego.

Burkle-Young, FA & Maleny, SR 1997, The Research Guide for the Digital Age: A New Handbook for Researching and Writing for the Serious Student, University Press of America, Lanham, MD.

Clarke, A 1999, Evaluation Research: An Introduction to Principles, Methods and Practice, Sage, London.

Cooper, H 1989, Integrating Research: A Guide for Literature Reviews, 2nd edn, Sage, Newbury Park, CA.

Fitzpatrick, J, Secrist, J & Wright, DJ 1998, Secrets for a Successful Dissertation, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Glathorn, AA 1998, Writing the Winning Disseration: A Step-by-Step Guide, Corwin Press Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Piantanida, M & Garman, NB 1999, The Qualitative Dissertation: A Guide for Students and Faculty, Corwin Press Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Selden, A (ed) 1988, Contemporary history: practice and method, Blackwell, Oxford.

Shafer, RJ 1980, A guide to historical method, 3rd edn, Wadsworth, Belmont.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

This assessment item relates to Objectives 4, 8 & 10.

2.

This assessment item relates to Objectives 1,2,3,5,6,7,9 & 10.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   Students are required to participate in online seminar discussions in this course. It is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or rquired to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To successfully complete an individual assessment item, a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. This statement must be read in conjunction with Statement 4 below.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances and without prior approval, then a penalty of a maximum of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late, up to a maximum of 10 working days, at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade, a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no exam for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Given the details under (6) above, there are no deferred exams for this course. However, if any deferred/makeup work is granted, it would have to be submitted by a date set by the examiner.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm

ASSESSMENT NOTES

This version produced 27 May 2008.