Development Studies – Research Methods Class

Students are required to submit one piece of coursework of 5000 words (which consists of two parts), as explained below:

BRIEF
Write a 5000 word, two-part research proposal on a topic and question of your choice.
Literature review: Review of relevant literature (probably around 25 references) explaining what is known in academic and policy terms about the issue, and presenting a clearly stated research aim or research question (2500 words). Remember to cover some key points:
• What body of theory or debate or problem does your topic relate to (literature review)?
• Based on this literature review, what are your aims, i.e. what problem are you addressing, or what phenomenon are you trying to explain? What are your hypotheses (if applicable)? What is your specific research question?
Methods: Develop up to five specific research objectives from your research aim and develop a methodology for meeting them (2500 words), covering:
• Research strategy,
• data sources and method(s) of data collection will you use and why -If your study involves a sample how will it be selected? How will the data be collected? If you are using data collection instruments such as questionnaires or interview schedules or focus groups give an indication of their content and append drafts (not counted in the word limit).
• How will you analyse the data?
• What ethical considerations are there?
Remember to draw on research methods literature when discussing the proposed methodology.