Introduction to Research Methods

1. The philosophy of research
   1. The place and value of student research in higher education
   2. The purpose of research
   3. Epistemological issues in research
   4. Paradigms in research
   5. Integrity in research: awareness of ethical issues and honesty with evidence
   6. Issues of personal motivation for beginning and sustaining research
2. The resources of research
   1. Resources in the college: staff, library, peer interaction
   2. Resources beyond the college: other researchers and research groups, internet, conferences and consultations.
   3. Learning to use the tools and access the sources for efficient research
   4. Qualitative and quantitative research: the importance of methodology
   5. Managing and reporting data: collection and maintenance
   6. Literature reviews: library and other electronic resources
3. Administration of research
   1. The candidate-supervisor relationship
   2. Supervisor’s role and responsibilities
   3. Candidate’s role and responsibilities
   4. Compatibility, styles of supervisions and dispute resolution
   5. Risk in research
4. Project Management
   1. Time path of research
   2. Scoping
   3. Sketching argument and structure
   4. Developing work programs
   5. Establishing a schedule for the production of written materials; parts of the whole paper of a thesis/project; accumulation of data from survey research; supervisor’s scrutiny of the parts and feedback
5. Analysis and interpretation
   1. Handling evidence and data
   2. Research in the service of Christian ministries
   3. Research in ministry – design and practice
6. Focus and production
   1. Formulating a proposal: defining the topic; setting realistic, achievable goals; benefits
   2. Safeguards in ‘human subject research’: the evidence necessary for project approval by an ethics committee; ethics protocols for research involving human subjects
   3. Final form of the thesis/project: revision of style and accuracy of writing; consistency in use of conventions; supervisor’s final approval; research writing for critique and publication.

This unit expects 150 hours of work from you in total, or around 10-12 hours each week over the semester. This volume of learning includes working through the learning materials and required learning tasks, additional reading and self-directed study, and working on assessment items, and for online units this includes participation in any online forums.

This is an online unit of independent learning with tutor support; you will work through a series of modules which include set readings and questions for reflection; assessments consist of reflection exercises based on these modules, a literature review, and a draft research proposal.