Duration
1 weekWeekly study
3 hours
Independent Research Project: Research Design
Explore the purpose of research design
This course explores the purpose of research design, and will help you decide which design best fits the aim of your project. A research design is the logic that links together the aims, evidence and approaches used in the phenomena being explored. You will explore why it is important, and how to develop your research design.
What topics will you cover?
During this course you will cover the following topics:
- Establishing the need for a research design
- Discussing some different designs and the factors which influence the choice of research design
- Illustrating the main steps when selecting a research design, using an example scenario
This is supported through the following activities:
- Reviewing your research question, aim and objectives in light of the outputs and outcomes you expect to produce
- Practicing matching a research design to the research aims and objectives
- Producing a concise statement summarising your reasons for choosing the design you want to employ in your research project
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
Who is the course for?
Postgraduate students undertaking their final project.
Please note that the individuals detailed in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below, are current staff members and may be subject to change.
Who will you learn with?
Dr Hilary Mc Laughlin-Stonham
Associate Lecture for Masters Level Courses. Hilary has taught at Universities both in the UK and abroad and is currently research active. PhD, Ma, Ma, AFHEA.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
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