KKP625 Approaches to Design Research


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online

Unit code:KKP625
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:Admission into IF49 or KK51 or KK59 or KK60
Equivalent:KKP601, KKP609, KKP624
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit provides theoretical and practical grounding in fundamental research methodologies, tools and analyses, allowing you to develop knowledge and skills of diverse research approaches and critical research issues. In order to produce high quality research it is necessary to gather and analyse data to generate new knowledge that is reliable and valid. This unit plays a key role in introducing you to appropriate forms of enquiry for your own research and providing you with the philosophies, frameworks, methodologies and protocols for planning, implementing and evaluating that research within a Design and Creative Industries context.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Retrieve, evaluate and synthesise information using information technology and library resources.
  2. Choose appropriate methods for gathering and analysing data from the range used in media, communication and cultural research.
  3. Present research information clearly and in generically appropriate ways.
  4. Develop your own rigorous research project using approaches you are taught about in this unit.

Content

This unit offers theoretical grounding in the latest innovative research methodologies, tools and analyses, allowing you to develop advanced knowledge and skills relevant to your own specific area of research focus. You are connected to other researchers in the Creative Industries and exposed to a range of interdisciplinary qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

This unit addresses content such as:

  1. research Fundamentals and Core Issues (What is research' What am I researching' How do I design, conduct and present my research'; Why is publishing important')
  2. research Protocols (ethics, plagiarism, copyright & IP)
  3. research Skills in Information Retrieval and Writing (reflective, written and information-retrieval skills for being a successful researcher)
  4. research Strategies and Approaches (how do I design, conduct and present my research).

Learning Approaches

The unit is delivered via lectures, workshop-based tutorials and self-directed study. It is delivered in intensive mode over 3 weeks through online delivery.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment will be formative, through an emphasis on constructive and progressive feedback using a criterion referencing approach.

Assessment

Overview

Your performance in the unit will be assessed through assignments due at specified times in the semester. The assignments will contribute to the overall summative grade for the unit.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Assessment Information see the Canvas site for this unit.

At the completion of this unit, you will be awarded a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory final grade.

Unit Grading Scheme

S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Annotated Bibliography

This assignment will assist you in designing and developing your final research proposal required for assessment 2. It is divided into three sections: Project overview; Annotated bibliography; and brief Literature review.

Criteria for assessment:

  • demonstrated understanding of research vocabulary
  • clear relationship between research topic, background, design and methods
  • clarity of expression, and spoken presentation, including use of any multi-media elements.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid to Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment: Research Paper

A paper (3,600 words max.). The essay will critically explore your research project as per the current Stage 2 guidelines. You will cover items such as your research question, your particular research strategy, your contextual review, and the significance of your project.

Criteria for assessment:

  • demonstrated understanding of research vocabulary
  • clear relationship between research topic, background, design and methods
  • clarity of expression, and spoken presentation, including use of any multi-media elements.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): End Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Resources

There is no textbook required for this unit, due to the breadth of content covered and the extent of material available. Key readings are placed on the unit's Canvas site. It is important to note that the readings for each lecture are highly recommended and should be completed prior to the lecture - these readings will help you a great deal with understanding the content of lectures and with your assessments. Please do the readings before each week's lecture.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks for this unit.

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.