Research Methods 7013BEPG Module Introduction

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Research Methods

7013BEPG

Module introduction
What is research?

Module overview

Developing a research question

Blackboard

Q&A
What is research?
Task - what is research?

Write down a definition


that best describes what
we mean by research
What is research?
A careful search – a ‘voyage to discovery’, a
systematic investigation, methodical

Contribution to knowledge – original, new,


scientific, critical

A learning processes – acquiring and


understanding knowledge

BUT, all depends on the methods used to


carry out search, aims and objectives set,
subject material investigated, and analyses
and techniques carried out.
Why is this important
to you?

Many people consider that


undertaking a research
project is 2% inspiration and
98% perspiration
(Fellows & Liu, 2003)

It is not an easy task, but can


be thoroughly rewarding!
Why is this important to you?
Supports the successful completion of your dissertation (60/180 credits)

Opportunity to undertake an independent piece of work

Investigate, in depth, a subject of particular interest

Encourages you to stretch your intellectual and technical skills

Contribute to the existing knowledge in your chosen area of study

Tests, through the collection and analysis of primary data, a research question

Learn how to critically review, analyse and interpret detailed primary information
Module Aims

To provide an understanding of the


academic research process
understanding the differing
techniques, strategies and methods
used to undertake research in the
built environment.
Learning outcomes
After completing the module the student should be able to:

Discuss key theories, concepts and methodological issues


related to research in the built environment.

Evaluate the nature and purpose of each stage in the research


process and be able to justify options related to the preparation
of a post-graduate research study.

Apply appropriate research knowledge and techniques to each


stage of the research process.
Research process
Design the questionnaire(s) or
Select a topic and review
format for secondary data Input and validate the data
initial literature
collection

Identify research Write a detailed literature


Analyse the data
problem/question review

Determine aims and Discuss and conclude the


Write research proposal
objectives results

Decide on the research


Decide on the research
methods (techniques) and
design, theoretical approach, Structure and write up
levels of measurement to be
and research strategy
used
Timetable
Module assessment

You are to write a proposal to undertake research in


preparation for the submission of a postgraduate degree or
equivalent.

The proposal may relate to any topic relevant to your own


programme of study

The proposal is a single written coursework assignment

Word count: 2500-3000 words


Module assessment

The proposal must be typed and submitted no later than


Friday 11th January 2013 (week 17)

The proposal should be submitted electronically via the


‘assignments’ area on Blackboard

NB: a separate copy of your proposal must be submitted for


your dissertation module. This does not necessarily have to
be the same topic area, if you opt to do something different
for your dissertation.
Module assessment
Marking structure:

Topic Mark
Title/Aims/Objectives 15
Research background/Literature review 25
Approach and methods 30
Plan of Work/Gantt chart 10
Referencing style 10
Layout/Grammar/Writing style 10
Total 100
Module assessment
This module is concerned with research
methods and practice.

The coursework will not be marked on how


fantastic the research idea that you have is.

Instead, it will be important to give reasoned


arguments relating to the validity of your
proposal
Developing a research question
Choosing a topic
Most difficult task for researchers is to select a
topic for study and then be able to refine it to
produce a proposal that is viable

Viable Interesting
Realistic But at the same Original
Accessible time… Relevant
Sufficient depth Pertinent
Choosing a topic

Topics of interest • Broad list of potential topics

Personal strengths • Experience? Interests?

Current interest in
• Hot topics, interesting
practice

Access to data • Industry contacts? Supervisor expertise?

Limitations • Resources? Time? Cost? Scope


Task – choosing a topic

List at least 3 points for


each of the 5 stages to
selecting a topic for your
research study.
Refining your topic

Goal is to reach a state where topic is clearly


defined so:

Aims and objectives can be identified


Methodologies can be considered
A plan of work can be formulated
Refining your topic

Good research projects are


usually those that are:

Clearly focused

Tightly defined with a precise


research question

Clear, simple methodology


identified at the beginning
Refining your topic
Outcome of your topic selection will be to produce
a research proposal, which consists of:

Title
Background
Research question/problem
Aim and objectives, hypothesis (if applicable)
Methodology (including theoretical approach)
Proposed research programme
References
Research question/
problem
Hopefully from reading around your
selected topic you are able to either

Pose a question and/or


Identify a problem

Your question/problem should focus on an


aspect of the existing knowledge-base
where you feel your research can
contribute
Developing aims and objectives
Aims:

Statement of what the research will attempt to do

Aimed at a strategic level

Should be tightly defined, not broad or abstract

One or two sentences maximum


Developing aims and objectives
Objectives:

Translate the aim(s) into operational/practical statements

Structured logically to tell a story of how the aim(s) will be


completed

Tightly defined and clearly state how they will be completed

4-5 objectives maximum


Blackboard – module tour
Accessing blackboard
Make sure you have registered for your modules
– guidance on Blackboard and website

Software problems with SIS are still preventing


some students from accessing Blackboard

We have granted ‘guest access’ for you as a


temporary measure so you can see module
content
Accessing blackboard – guest access
Log into Blackboard

Click on the Modules tab

Type the module code into the Search box on the left hand side of the
page and click ‘Go.’

Initially, the return screen stating there are no results for the search.
Change the drop down menu on the left hand side from ‘Name’ to ‘ID’
and click ‘Go’ again.

A link to the module will be displayed. Click on this link to access the
module content.
Summary
You should now have an understanding of:

 What we mean by research

 What the module aims and objectives are and how


it will be assessed

 What the main stages of the research process are

 The first stage of the research process – topic


selection

 How to transfer your selected topic into a research


problem and subsequent aims and objectives

 Where to find information on Blackboard


Indicative References

Creswell, J.W (2009) Research Design: qualitative,


quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 3rd Edition,
SAGE, London

Bryman, A and Bell, E (2011) Business Research Methods,


3rd Edition, Oxford University Press. Oxford

Noaum, S.G (2007) Dissertation Writing for Construction


Students, 2nd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford
Next steps

Think about your research topic

You will be required to submit this for your dissertation

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