Fundamentals of research methods for Development Studies

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Term 1
Module code
15PDSH017
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
15
Department
Department of Development Studies

Module overview

The module will offer an overview of the main research designs and techniques used in development research. It will put emphasis on both the use of secondary sources (text, numbers, images, audio, etc.) and the process of collecting primary empirical material for analysis. It will address the dichotomy quantitative-qualitative in social research methodology, the key differences between the two approaches and the potential for complementarity. With reference to applied cases the integration of different approaches will be assessed. By the end of the module students should understand basic social research methods, and their applicability in development studies in different contexts. This module will thus equip students with basic capacities to apply research methods to real world problems and evaluate their use in published research.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

 

The main objective of this module is to equip development studies students with the basic tools to undertake independent research and evaluate research methods presented in development research work. Its main aim is to provide an introduction to basic epistemological considerations, the nature and stages of the research process, the exercise of formulating research questions and hypotheses, the understanding of data collection and analysis tools available in different research approaches. Some key learning outcomes are:

  1. the ability to interpret evidence
  2. assessing the methodological foundations of empirical findings;
  3. basic knowledge of the most widely used research techniques in development studies;
  4. understanding of the suitability of various research approaches and techniques to specific research question

Throughout the module, some issues will be given special emphasis, namely: data availability; specific problems in data acquisition; limitations to applicability of generic research techniques in development studies; a critical understanding of the problems of using evidence and different research techniques; basic rules of fieldwork practice and ethics.

By the end of the module students should understand basic social research methods, and their applicability in development studies in different contexts. This module will thus equip students with basic capacities to apply research methods to real world problems and evaluate their use in published research.

 

Workload

 

Teaching takes place through a combination of one 1h lecture for all and separate 1h tutorial groups for smaller groups

 

Method of assessment

 

100% coursework. Each student will be expected to take part in a group presentation worth 20% and submit a research proposal worth 80% of the overall grade. Resubmission of coursework regulations apply.

 

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules