GEOG 5010 - Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2017

The aim of this course is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the role and conduct of quantitative and qualitative research methods in planning [and urban design]. Intellectual and methodological debates will be discussed in order to assist students to develop informed opinions and a critical appreciation for other's research. The imperative for ethical research practice will be presented. The course equips students with the skills to review and conduct methodologically sound research as a part of their professional work. Students develop the skills to recognise and reflect on the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies, understand the links between theory and practice, critically assess research, and address ethical and practical issues. The course takes a step-by-step approach to the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative techniques including case study and precedent studies, surveys, interviews, focus groups, participant observation, textual and media analysis. How to manage and analyse data (including computer assisted), and how to write up and present findings are core components of this course. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and ability to undertake original research projects and develop a set of transferable workplace skills.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 5010
    Course Research Methods
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 contact hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible GEST 5001, GEST 5010
    Restrictions Available to MPlanning & MPlan(UrbDes) students only
    Course Description The aim of this course is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the role and conduct of quantitative and qualitative research methods in planning [and urban design]. Intellectual and methodological debates will be discussed in order to assist students to develop informed opinions and a critical appreciation for other's research. The imperative for ethical research practice will be presented. The course equips students with the skills to review and conduct methodologically sound research as a part of their professional work. Students develop the skills to recognise and reflect on the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies, understand the links between theory and practice, critically assess research, and address ethical and practical issues. The course takes a step-by-step approach to the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative techniques including case study and precedent studies, surveys, interviews, focus groups, participant observation, textual and media analysis. How to manage and analyse data (including computer assisted), and how to write up and present findings are core components of this course. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and ability to undertake original research projects and develop a set of transferable workplace skills.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jungho Suh

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Identify different research methods and their theoretical underpinnings.
    2 Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and synthesise literature related to a research question.
    3 Critically analyse and demonstrate an ability to formulate viable research questions.
    4 Demonstrate an understanding and ability to undertake the range of tasks necessary to completing a research project.
    5 Identify and engage with the range of ethical issues involved in the conduct of a research project.
    6 Show an understanding of cross cultural contexts and the nuances/implications of cross cultural research.
    7 Work within a team and use interpersonal skills to complete tasks.
    8 Demonstrate skills in using online data bases and software.
    9 Demonstrate high level written and verbal communication skills.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,8
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3,4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    7,9
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    7,9
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    5,6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    6,9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    TBA
    Recommended Resources
    TBA
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials developing material covered in lectures.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 3-hour lecture per week 36 hours per semester
    3 hours reading per week 36 hours per semester
    4 hours research per week 48 hours per semester
    3 hours assignment preparation per week 36 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Course Overview: What is research?
    Week 2 Literature Reviews and Data Base Searches
    Week 3 Communicating Research Outcomes
    Week 4 The Role of Theory in Research Design and Delivery
    Week 5 Research Ethics and Engaging Cultures
    Week 6 Qualitative Methods 1
    Week 7 Qualitative Methods 2 and Qualitative Methods 1
    Week 8 Qualitative Methods 2
    Week 9 Research Analysis
    Week 10 Journal work
    Week 11 How to Write up a Research Project
    Week 12 Verbal Presentations on Research Proposals
    * The sequence of seminar topics is subject to change.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Seminar participation and seminar journal  Formative and Summative 30% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9
    Literature review Summative 30% 2,8,9
    Research proposal and report Summative 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9
    Assessment Detail

    TBA

    Submission
    Students should submit their work electronically via Canvas.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.