MSTM300
Dissertation
This module requires course participants to undertake an individual research project. This part of the course requires the individual to identify and construct research questions related to an area of STEM Engagement, critically evaluate appropriate literature of the respective field, devise and carry out appropriate research methods, and critically interpret and examine the results and contribution of one’s research. In the process, the course participant is expected to comply with academic rigour and present findings in a well-structured and cogently argued form.
By the end of this programme, participants should be able to:
a. Crically assess and evaluate current literature on the chosen subject to define an area of study and formulate the research questions;
b. Employ the appropriate methodology to acheive the research targets as formulated in the research questions;
c. Clearly communicate to a specialised and non-specialised audiences of own research findings;
d. Manage a research project within a specified timeframe;
e. Demonstate originality in research.
a. Identify and critically appraise the theoretical, scientific and/or empirical knowledge appropriate for the study;
b. Determine the contextual framework for the research;
c. Demonstrates critical knowledge of theoretical and evidence based practices;
d. Identify and appreciate ethical and social issues within research;
e. Demonstate a critical and anlytical approach towards indepth knowledge of the specific subject matter.
a. Design a research project;
b. Adapt appropriate research methods to the field of study;
c. Formulate methods of collecting, manipulating and analysing data;
d. Compare and critically reflect on research findings and triangulate these findings with published literature;
e. Create a hypothesis and establish the correct tools to test it.
This programme adopts continuous and summative methods of assessment including assignments, online tasks, reflective journals, projects and video presentations. For further details, kindly refer to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and Procedures.
1. Bryman, A., (2004). Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. Clough, P., and Nutbrown, C. (2012). A Student’s Guide to Methodology (3 ed.): Sage Publications.
3. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches: Sage.
4. Greenfield, T., & Greener, S. (Eds.). (2016). Research methods for postgraduates. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
5. Hammond, M., & Wellington, J. (2012). Research methods : The key concepts. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
6. Martin, W. E., & Bridgmon, K. D. (2012). Quantitative and statistical research methods: From hypothesis to results. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
7. Norman K. Denzin and Ynonna S. Lincoln (Eds) (2011); The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (Fourth Edition); Sage; London
8. Neuman, W. L., (2003). Social Research Methods – Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 5th ed. USA: Pearson Education, Inc.
9. Opie, C., (2010). Doing Educational Research. London: SAGE
10. Various (2019). SAGE mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 11.4135/9781526498137
11. Walliman, N. (2010). Research methods: The basics. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
12. Axelrod, B., & Windell, J. (2012). Dissertation solutions: A concise guide to planning, implementing, and surviving the dissertation process. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
13. Calabrese, R. L. (2012). Getting it right : The essential elements of a dissertation. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
1. De Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research: Sage.
2. Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process: Sage.
3. Tashakkori, A. & Teddie, C., (1998). Mixed Methodology – Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. London: SAGE.
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