IR5902 Research Methods

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lect: Tuesdays 12.00noon - 1.00pm Tut: Thursdays 2.00pm - 3.00pm, 3.00pm - 4.00pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J Argomaniz

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will present appropriate research methods to enable students to critically understand the professional literature, and to lay the foundations to enable students to engage in further research. The broad aim of this module is to provide students with sufficient research skills to identify, read and understand professional literature, and to undertake their own research activities. It will introduce critical elements of research methodology, introduce and develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, describe and illustrate literature and documentation search and retrieval strategies, and provide an introduction to the role of the intelligence analyst as a practical example.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial per week + advertised office hours plus online material.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Explain the different theoretical approaches to social research
  • Discuss the philosophical underpinnings of social research
  • Critique examples of research in the field of terrorism studies using the evaluative approaches described in the module
  • Critically evaluate the utility of a range of research methods to research questions in the field
  • Design a research study including being able to: o Develop an appropriate research question; o Select a suitable research method; o Analyse the data derived from the research; o Display information appropriately; and o Produce robust conclusions on the basis of the research evidence