Research Fundamentals PG (10386.2)

Please note these are the 2024 details for this unit
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Research Fundamentals PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Intensive
 Singapore
Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.25 6 Faculty Of Business, Government & Law
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Canberra Business School Post Graduate Level Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit provides a critical assessment of the role(s), nature, values and assumptions underlying research in business, in particular, and social science, in general. In particular, this unit develops a deep understanding of the epistemological and ontological bases for research, as well as an understanding of the notion of contribution central to doctoral level work. At the conclusion of the unit, candidates will be comfortable situating their research project within existing research traditions, evaluating differences between research traditions including Indigenous ways of knowing, and will have developed competence in research integrity and ethical frameworks including an appreciation for the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The unit also draws upon the University of Canberra's Researcher Development Skills Framework.

Learning outcomes

The outcome of any unit for individual students is contingent upon what each student brings to class and the amount of energy and effort they deploy. However, a student who engages in all class activities with diligence can expect to be able to:
1. Critically evaluate a variety of theoretical perspectives on the nature of research and its role(s) in society including an appreciation for and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural competencies;
2. Critically evaluate the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of research;
3. Evaluate the ethical consequences of research choices, their impact on the role of the researcher and develop a deep understanding of ethics as expressed within reference documents such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research;
4. Demonstrate a critical appreciation for the historical, social and political contexts of research choices and recognise the implications of research values; and
5. Illustrate the ability to write effectively in academic English by appropriately communicating complex research concepts and ideas.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

6647 Research Methodology and Research Design PG

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2024 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2023 Singapore Semester 1 06 February 2023 Intensive Dr David Carter
2023 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 06 February 2023 Intensive Dr David Carter
2023 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 31 July 2023 Intensive Dr David Carter
2023 Singapore Semester 2 31 July 2023 Intensive Dr David Carter
2024 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 05 February 2024 Intensive Dr David Carter
2024 Singapore Semester 1 05 February 2024 Intensive Dr David Carter
2024 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 29 July 2024 Intensive Dr David Carter
2024 Singapore Semester 2 29 July 2024 Intensive Dr David Carter
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

There is no required textbook for this unit, but you are likely to need to consult with many different sources (texts, research books, journal articles). We will discuss the complexity of research philosophy in this unit and its relationship to disciplines such as business, politics, public administration and law. There are a range of approaches to this topic and there is little agreement between them. Ultimately, your role is to identify where you sit in and amongst a range of philosophical concepts relevant to pursuing higher degrees by research. This is a personal journey.

I recommend one text, but I have not made it compulsory to purchase:

Recommended Textbook:

Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. St Leonards: Allen & Unwin.

This is available from the library.

Journals:

This is primarily a research-led unit, so it is expected that you will read journal articles and research work relevant to your topic of study, within your disciplinary field and across disciplinary spaces. 

Typical repositories for research include UC's library website, Google Scholar and Google itself

Common journal databases for research philosphy would include Science Direct <www.sciencedirect.com> and Emerald <http://www.emeraldinsight.com/>

I will suggest journal articles as readings from time-to-time, but you will also be asked to search for and identify relevant research articles. Feel free to consult with your supervisors about particular readings and where to collect relevant research philosophy for your study. 

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

The final assessment items (the summative reflective journal and the essay) should be submitted through Canvas.

Formative assessment (the reflective journals and any essay preparation) should be submitted through email to David.Carter@canberra.edu.au

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Participation requirements

The class is discussion-based. 

Your ability to understand your research projects is driven by how you understand, position yourself and identify with the complexities of research philosophy. 

Thus, reading in advance, reading further in your fields and participating in activities and discussion is essential to your development in this class.

Required IT skills

Standard word-processing skills are required.

This unit involves online meetings in real time using either Zoom (invitations will be sent) or via the Virtual Room in your UCLearn (Canvas) teaching site. Zoom and the Virtual Room allow you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality, we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.

It is also an appropriate academic expectations that you attend with a working video - names and faces to voices are a easier way to communicate. 

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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