CEMFRS-Research Skills

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: M
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Professor WP Hughes
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: w.p.hughes@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the processes and techniques of research in order to prepare them for undertaking their own supervised research dissertation.
Successful students will be able to undertake a critical review of research paper, carry out and write up a structured literature review on a specific topic, identify and articulate a research question, identify an appropriate research method, develop a research outline suitable for a dissertation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Each student will submit a research essay carried out under the individual supervision of one of the staff.

Additional outcomes:
Increased knowledge of the particular topic chosen for research.

Outline content:

Introduction to research methods:
Nature of scientific enquiry, processes in research execution and publication, foundations of research, elements of a research project, framing a research question, contextualising problems.

Literature searching and bibliographical tools:
Library catalogues, organization of library resources, CD-ROM services, web-based services, abstracts and indexes, search tools.

Reviewing research papers:
What makes a good research paper? Introduction to the process of critical review of previous research.

Quantitative methods:
Comparisons, experiments, trials, sampling techniques, descriptive statistics.

Qualitative methods:
Action research, case studies, grounded theory, ethnography, critical social theory, focus groups, content analysis.

Questionnaire and interview techniques:
Phrasing, purpose, models, design for analysis, pilots, pre-coding, pre-testing, consistency.

How to write a thesis:
Structure, plan, purpose, narrative style, authority, presentation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
On-line seminars, on-line tutorials, individual interaction with supervisors and private study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2
Tutorials/seminars
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)	10	10
Total hours	12	10
Number of essays or assignments
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework:
Nil
Relative percentage of coursework : Nil
Examinations:
Nil
Requirements for a pass:
Participation in the on-line course where a Pass/Fail is awarded
Reassessment Arrangements
A re-sit is permitted.

Last updated: 21 August 2008