Educational research methodology
Associate Professor G Rowley
First semester * Clayton
This subject provides a general introduction to the field of research methodology; enabling students to read, understand and evaluate research in education, psychology, health sciences and related fields, and providing sufficient background knowledge for students to make rational choices among the research areas (humanities, experimental, survey and naturalistic) in which they can develop specialised research skills. Different research strategies will be examined, with the focus on the nature of the discipline which guides the inquiry. Other ways of classifying research will be considered, including basic and applied, decision and conclusion-oriented research. Students will be given guidance in writing research proposals and reports, in conducting literature reviews, and in using systematic methods of searching and integrating literature on their chosen research areas. Skills will be developed in using the microcomputer to conduct simple statistical analyses of data, for wordprocessing and organising information. Consideration will be given to ethical issues.
Assessment
Written: 65% * Examinations (1.5 hours): 35%
Prescribed texts
Wiersma W Research methods in education: An introduction Allyn and Bacon, 1991
Recommended texts
Betts K and Seitz A Writing essays in the social sciences Nelson and Wadsworth, 1986
Northey M and Timney B Making sense in psychology and the life sciences OUP, 1986
Polit D and Hughes B Nursing research: Principles and methods Lippincott, 1983
Seaman C H C Research methods: Principles, practice and theory for nursing Appleton and Lange, 1987
Wadsworth Y Do it yourself social research Victorian Council of Social Service, 1991