James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

ED5097 - Research Design and Proposal

Subject Description

In this subject you will further learn about research design and then undertake the development of a proposal for a small-scale research project involving gathering data, or a critical review and synthesis of literature, relating to a relevant topic. The proposal forms the major assessment in this subject and will be approximately 2,000 word excluding references. The research proposal will clearly state a rationale for the proposed small-scale research; identify the research problem, context and question(s); locate the proposed research within an appropriate body of literature, justify the research approach and the chosen methodology; describe methods for generating, gathering and analysing research data and, as necessary, discuss issues associated with those methods; provide a full reference list and reference using APA6; will include a time-line for completion and a proposed budget.. This subject is aligned with the standards defined at AQF Level 9. This subject will enable you to engage with contemporary professional practice based on evidence collection and analysis. You may take ED5097:03 as an additional, stand-alone research subject in the Master of Education, or as part of the Coursework with Research Project. If you are only taking ED5097 and not moving on to ED5098 and ED5095, the Subject Lecturer will assume all responsibility for subject assessment and subject completion. If you are planning to complete the Coursework with Research Project, and also enrolling and completing ED5098 and ED5095, the Subject Lecturer will take responsibility for assisting you identify a research topic and a research advisor. The Subject Coordinator is responsible for liaising with this academic staff member to secure an appropriate advisory arrangement for you, which will continue through your enrolment in ED5098 and ED5095 and the completion of your research dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

• students who successfully complete this subject will be able to: 1. plan a small-scale research project in education or the social sciences
• 2. know the elements of a research proposal, ie a description of the research context and research problem; develop research questions to be answered in a methodologically appropriate way; formulate an appropriate approach to data collection and analysis at a low level of risk; develop an appropriate time-line and a budget as necessary
• 3. critically analyse and discuss purposes of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches and the ability to choose between different approaches as related to research purpose and appropriate context
• 4. reflect critically on theory and professional practice, engage with relevant research literature and scholarship, and be able to evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract and professional level
• 5. possess the technical and communication research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; and be able to theorize and design a research project that will contribute to professional practice and scholarship

Subject Assessment

• Written > Project plan - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (20%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Teaching and learning in this subject works from the premise that you are already an exceedingly capable learner who is able to engage in self-managed learning at AQF Level 9. You will be required to locate and critically evaluate information from a diverse range of sources. In addition to this you need to be able to solve problems and write competently about the research design and be able to prepare a research proposal on a negotiated topic of your choosing.

Availabilities