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  2. Research Preparation: Developing a Research Topic [EDU6186]

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Research Preparation: Developing a Research Topic

  • Unit Code

    EDU6186

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online

Description

This unit involves the development and presentation of a research topic appropriate for a Master of Education by Research. The unit is designed to extend students understanding on a specified field of inquiry. Completion of a range of tasks is possible, including: identification of appropriate research questions justified through a literature review; development of a conceptual and theoretical framework; development of an articulated and justified metholology; and a draft ethics application/declaration through STREAM.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Analyse and evaluate contemporary issues in educational practice and/or educational research.
  2. Analyse presentations and readings related to the selected topics.
  3. Outline the implications of an investigation informing educational practice and present a research proposal appropriate for partial fulfillment of the requirements for confirmation of candidature for Master of Education.
  4. Prepare a research proposal that illustrates active reflection, a consideration of related literature and appropriate research questions in relation to a selected topic.
  5. Undertake independent inquiry.

Unit Content

  1. Guidelines for conducting a literature search.
  2. Literature review exemplars.
  3. Study contract.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Independent inquiry, supervision.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescription
Research PaperResearch topic

Text References

  • ^ Edith Cowan University. (2009). Doctoral and masters by research handbook. Information for candidates and supervisors. Perth: Graduate School.
  • ^ American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed.). Washington DC: Author.
  • Murray, L., & Lawrence, B. (Eds.). (2000). Practitioner-based enquiry: Principles for postgraduate research. London: Falmer Press.
  • Edith Cowan University. (1993). Standards and expectations in courses and research theses. (5th ed.). Perth,WA: Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Edith Cowan University.
  • Edith Cowan University Library. (1993). Thesis presentation: Notes to assist students in presenting a thesisfor examination. (3rd ed.). Perth, WA. Edith Cowan University.
  • Edith Cowan University. (2009). Doctoral and masters by research handbook. Information for candidates and supervisors. Perth: Graduate School.
  • O'Donoghue, T., & Haynes, F. (1997). Preparing your thesis/dissertation in education. Katoomba, NSW: Social Science Press.
  • Steinberg, S., & Kincheloe, J. (1998). Students as researchers: Creating classrooms that matter. London: Falmer Press.
  • Bell, J. (2005). Doing your research project. (4th ed.). London: Open University Press.
  • Plano clark, V., & Cresswell, J. (2008). The mixed methods reader. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
  • Punch, K. (2005). Introduction to social research. Quantitative and qualitative approaches. London: Sage Publications.

Website References

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

EDU6186|1|1

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Research Preparation: Developing a Research Topic

  • Unit Code

    EDU6186

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online

Description

This unit involves the development and presentation of a research topic appropriate for a Master of Education by Research. The unit is designed to extend students understanding on a specified field of inquiry. Completion of a range of tasks is possible, including: identification of appropriate research questions justified through a literature review; development of a conceptual and theoretical framework; development of an articulated and justified metholology; and a draft ethics application/declaration through STREAM.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Analyse and evaluate contemporary issues in educational practice and/or educational research.
  2. Analyse presentations and readings related to the selected topics.
  3. Outline the implications of an investigation informing educational practice and present a research proposal appropriate for partial fulfillment of the requirements for confirmation of candidature for Master of Education.
  4. Prepare a research proposal that illustrates active reflection, a consideration of related literature and appropriate research questions in relation to a selected topic.
  5. Undertake independent inquiry.

Unit Content

  1. Guidelines for conducting a literature search.
  2. Literature review exemplars.
  3. Study contract.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Independent inquiry, supervision.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescription
Research PaperResearch topic

Text References

  • ^ Edith Cowan University. (2009). Doctoral and masters by research handbook. Information for candidates and supervisors. Perth: Graduate School.
  • ^ American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed.). Washington DC: Author.
  • Murray, L., & Lawrence, B. (Eds.). (2000). Practitioner-based enquiry: Principles for postgraduate research. London: Falmer Press.
  • Edith Cowan University. (1993). Standards and expectations in courses and research theses. (5th ed.). Perth,WA: Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Edith Cowan University.
  • Edith Cowan University Library. (1993). Thesis presentation: Notes to assist students in presenting a thesisfor examination. (3rd ed.). Perth, WA. Edith Cowan University.
  • Edith Cowan University. (2009). Doctoral and masters by research handbook. Information for candidates and supervisors. Perth: Graduate School.
  • O'Donoghue, T., & Haynes, F. (1997). Preparing your thesis/dissertation in education. Katoomba, NSW: Social Science Press.
  • Steinberg, S., & Kincheloe, J. (1998). Students as researchers: Creating classrooms that matter. London: Falmer Press.
  • Bell, J. (2005). Doing your research project. (4th ed.). London: Open University Press.
  • Plano clark, V., & Cresswell, J. (2008). The mixed methods reader. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
  • Punch, K. (2005). Introduction to social research. Quantitative and qualitative approaches. London: Sage Publications.

Website References

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

EDU6186|1|2