James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

ED5097 - Research Design and Proposal

Subject Description

Students will apply their knowledge of educational research design and methodologies to develop a proposal for an educational research project suitable for investigating a problem relevant to their own professional contexts. Students will clearly define their research problem; identify research questions; situate the proposed research in the context of extant literature; identify an appropriate research design; and describe methods for collecting and analysing data in ethical ways. Students will critically reflect on the significance and limitations of the proposed research and present their research proposal to their peers through an oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• critically analyse the affordances and limitations of different educational research designs to select approaches best-suited to particular research problems
• apply knowledge of research principles, methods and ethical practice to design a small-scale research project that addresses a professional problem relevant to the field of Education
• apply advanced writing and presentation skills to communicate specialised knowledge, ideas and arguments accurately, coherently and creatively to a professional audience

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Project plan - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (60%) - 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