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Research Methods

Module description

This module prepares you for conducting independent research using quantitative and qualitative methods. It aims to introduce research methods and provides an understanding of the underlying theoretical frameworks and their use. You will have the opportunity to develop a qualitative and quantitative research project that includes design, data collection, analysis (including basic statistical analysis), and report writing. This module is accessible to all students with an interest in conducting their own primary empirical research in management studies and it is a requirement for students on the Exeter DBA programme.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module’s primary aims are to:

• Prepare you for independent research informed by social science methods.
• Equip you to design, with minimal supervision and guidance, programmes of primary empirical research, taking into consideration issues of research ethics, data generation, data analysis and reporting of findings.
• Challenge you to critically evaluate the philosophical assumptions associated with different research paradigms, as they relate to the selection of approaches and the production of knowledge.
• Enable you in your future careers to have confidence in your abilities to analyse data including the use of computer aided qualitative data analysis software, commission research, or conduct research in the workplace and wider operating environment.
• Equip you with report writing skills in order to present and interpret data in easily accessible ways.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Articulate the current issues associated with different philosophical, methodological and practical approaches to business and management-related research problems
• 2. Explain the circumstances under which particular methods might be used and select the most appropriate format and analysis for addressing a specific research question
• 3. Critically evaluate a wide range of alternative techniques, methods and data sources and types in the investigation of specialised research goals

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Apply an appropriate range of methods in the social sciences accurately and independently
• 5. Assess the ethical implications of research in social sciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Make appropriate, systematic and accurate uses and interpretations of statistical data
• 7. Use computer programmes to select, analyse, present and communicate information independently and effectively
• 8. Synthesise transparent, systematic and sustained written arguments

Syllabus plan

The academic content of the module includes quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative methods include but is not limited to:

• Why Quantitative Methods 
• Research Questions and Hypotheses 
• Comparing Different Designs 
• Data Collection 
• Operationalisation and Measurement 
• Techniques of Analysing Data 

The qualitative methods content includes but is not limited to:

• Nature of qualitative research
• Qualitative research in Social Sciences
• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Qualitative research design
• Interviews and focus groups
• Observation and ethnography
• Qualitative online research
• Analysing qualitative data
• Reporting qualitative research findings

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

This class reads and discusses a series of approximately 35+ foundational articles/book chapters covering the key aspects of methodologies.

Example readings: 

• Fogarty, Brian J. (2019) Quantitative Social Science Data with R. Sage publications: https://uk.sagepub.com/engb/eur/quantitative-social-science-data-with-r/book257236  
• Hegde, D. & Tumlinson, J., (2021). Information frictions and entrepreneurship. Strategic Management Journal, 42(3), pp.491-528.
• Patton, M. Q., & Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage
• Saldaña,J. (2013). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Stock, J. & Watson, M. (2020). Introduction to Econometrics, Fourth Edition. Pearson
• Trochim, William M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition. Internet www page, at URL: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/ 
• Seeing Theory: https://seeing-theory.brown.edu/ 

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• https://www.discoveringstatistics.com/
• https://www.socialresearchmethods.net/  
• R: https://www.r-project.org/ 
• R-Studio: https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/ 
• R Swirl https://swirlstats.com/ 

Key words search

Philosophy, Methodology, Research Methods, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Research Design