General Description - Objectives - Text - Recommended Purchase - Assessment Overview
This course introduces students to a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the social sciences and in library and information science. The course aims to engender an appreciation for the research process. Problem selection, study design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation are emphasized. Students will apply their knowledge by designing and conducting a pilot research study. Research issues such as ethics, differing views of reality, the roles of the researcher and the establishment of knowledge claims will be introduced.
On completion of LIS 570 students will be able to:
1. identify ways in which research can inform professional practice
2. understand basic concepts, methods, terminology and definitions, in qualitative and quantitative research
3. evaluate the quality of questionnaires, interview schedules and other data collection methods
4. select an appropriate research design and carry out a small research study
5. organise, describe, present and interpret data
6. use a data analysis software package
7. understand descriptive and some inferential statistics.
Bouma, Gary D. The Research Process. Third Edition. Melbourne: Oxford University press, 1996.
De Vaus, D.A. Surveys in Social Research. Fourth Edition. St. Leonards, NSW Allen & Unwin, 1995.
1. Seminar and Seminar Paper 35%
Each student will present a seminar on a research design or research method. The presentation will be peer-assessed.
2. Research Study and Report 65% Due date: End of quarter
Students will develop and conduct a small scale research study and report the results. It is recommended that this work be done in small groups of 3-4 students. The research study will include a qualitative research component (focus groups or individual open-ended interviews) and a quantitative component.
Please use every opportunity to consult with me. I am happy to meet with students to discuss class work and course requirements. The course is structured by lectures, presentations and workshops that introduce the concepts and topics covered. Attendance at all classes is considered essential for an acceptable standard of achievement. All assessment work must be submitted on the due date. In cases where sickness, accident or other serious misadventure occurs, you should discuss the matter with me prior to the due date. Appropriate written documentation must be supplied.