Research Methods: A Brief Introduction

Philosophical Approaches to Conduct Research

1. A Brief Introduction

Research Methods, the compulsory module that aims to equip you with the knowledge about how to conduct independent research. No prior knowledge is assumed, although many of you will have done research methods before at undergraduate level.

Together, we will explore the philosophical foundations and key stages of social science enquiry(for the purposes of this course business management, cross cultural and organizational enquiry) and uncover the advantages and the limits of major research methods, learn how to implement these research tools of social inquiry and learn how to analyse different data, and develop the essential skills of designing an appropriate piece of research. 

I hope by the end of this module, you will be able to investigate any one of a number of research topics for your dissertation module EB4701 or the employability project EB4703 in semesters two and three and demonstrate good scholarship to find interesting results and conclusions. I hope you will find this module very useful!

Critically discuss:

What are the merits and shortcomings of the two very different philosophical approaches to conduct research namely positivism versus interpretivism?

 

What are ProgressBoards?

The School has a system in place to ensure that you are getting the best from your time with us. This system is known as the Student Progress Boards and these enable your Academic Team to bring to light any concerns they have surrounding you and yourstudies.

 

The Progress Boards are a way for your lecturers to notice your progress - for example, if you are handing in assignments on time, the grades you are achieving and if you are attending your classes. The Boards are not a scheme to punish you, but rather a way of noticing that you might need moresupport.

What do I do if I receive aletter?

You may receive a letter from us explaining the need to see your Personal Tutor in an attempt to help give you the support you need so that you can complete your studies. Should you receive a letter, please don’t worry as this is not meant as a form of punishment; instead, it’s our way of letting you know that we’ve noticed you.

 

Unfair Means to EnhancePerformance, (s)he will take the following steps:

1. Investigate the concerns – check the Turnitin report (all modules should use Turnitin via Blackboard) and if appropriate explore hard, or on-line, copy of books/journalvia Google etc.
2. Discuss the concerns with the Module’s internal Moderator and agree whether or not the work has taken UnfairMeans.
3. If further action is agreed, a meeting of the Unfair Means Panel will be called. A copy of the Student’s work will be provided, together with any evidence which will usually be the Turnitinreport.
4. The student will be contacted and invited to attend the meeting. They will be given seven days’ notice. A copy of the Turnitin report or other evidence will be sent to the student.
5. The Unfair Means panel meeting will consist of the Chair, a minute taker, the student and representative (which may be a SU representative or friend), and the member of staff (or nominee) who discovered the alleged ‘UnfairMeans’.
6. At the meeting the standard agenda will be followed and the member of academic staff will first present their concerns regarding the assessment, and then thestudent will be asked to respond to theallegations.
7. Normally the student will be notified of the outcome of the Panel’s deliberations at the meeting and the implications for themodule.
8. If the case if proven, the student will be notified of their right ofappeal.
9. The student will receive, by post and email, a written record of the meeting and a formal letter indicating theoutcome.

Do I need to submit an ethics form?

Students you must talk with their EB4204 tutor about the ethical implications of your research, and how any risks will be mitigated. This applies to EB4204 research methods that involves data collected by the student.

This form should then be completed by the student and submitted to your EB4204 tutor. Tutors are responsible for making sure that all activities fall within the principles set down in the University Code of Conduct for Research and the University Ethical Principles for Teaching, Research, Knowledge Transfer, Consultancy and Related Activities.

explain what the purpose of your research is, and will it be reported anonymously or not, before interviewing any candidate for your research.