Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The unit consists of two modules. Module 1 provides an overview of significant debates about the nature of knowledge and different research approaches in the fields of social science and education, including ethical issues in research. Module 2 is designed to develop students' ability to identify and interpret research literature across a range of academic genres, including the processes of locating and retrieving research literature.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to:

• understand different research perspectives and methodologies in the field of education and social sciences;
• have an awareness of their ethical responsibilities when undertaking research;
• reflect on the meanings and motivations they bring to the research endeavour;
• perceive the interconnections between research questions, data forums, research methodologies and methods
• formulate research questions and link these to designs;
• systematically identify and locate a range of research literature on a topic of interest to them;
• interpret and critically evaluate this literature with respect to its usefulness in a specific setting (typically the students' own work setting or focus of study);
• engage with a range of conventions and stylistic features of academic writing; prepare a summary of the implications of this literature in a selected academic genre.

Assessment

Two research papers tailored to the needs of the student group, together comprising 8000 words.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr MaryLou Rasmussen

Contact hours

3 hours per week