MD803 - Theoretical Research Seminar

• 0 Standard Tuition Fee
• 8
  Credit Points
• 0.25 EFT 
  
• 9
  AQF level

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Learning outcomes

A. Be able to

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the unit student should be able to:

1. Empathetically report and Critically Analyse existing methodological approaches as they intersect with their research topic

2. Evaluate relevant social science theories as they intersect with their research topic

3. Cogently defend their adopted research methodology

4. Evaluate the degree of risk to which research subjects and/or the researcher would be exposed by the proposed research method and Describe strategies to minimise these risks.

5. Reflect at an Advanced level on the integration of the knowledge and skills acquired through this unit with their personal and professional development as a it applies to their specific ministry context.

Content

Purpose: To facilitate the critical evaluation of the literature and research associated with the candidate's research topic particularly as theoretical and methodological issues intersect with the proposed research topic to the end that a candidate will be able to defend the proposed methodology for their research topic.

Aims: To enable candidates to critically evaluate the influence of various social science theories, such as but not limited to Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Organisational Theory, Systems Theory, in their field of research. To enable students to apply the data interpretative skills acquired in MD801 to analyse research reports related to their research topic. To enable candidates to empathetically report, critically analyse existing methodological approaches to their research topic and argue for their chosen methodology. To continue with the personal professional develop of the candidate as a beginning Christian researcher within their specific ministry context.

Set Readings

Candidates and supervisors should ensure that a minimum of 3,000 pages is being assessed in this unit. As well as the reading list related to the specific research topic agreed to by the candidate and supervisor texts such as the following list should be consulted to assist the candidate in developing their theoretical critique. This list of text is indicative. Creswell, John, Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003 Cohen, Louis, Lawrence Manion & Keith Morrison, Research Methods in Education, 7th ed., London & New York: Routledge / Falmer, 2011 Hesse-Biber, Sharlene J. Nagy & Patricia Lina Leavy, The Practice of Qualitative Research, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2011 Hoggard Creegan, N. & C.D. Pohl, Ch 6, Evangelical and Feminist Maps: Redefining the Theological Interior, in Living on the Boundaries: Evangelical Women, Feminism and the Theological Academy, Downers Grove: IVP, 2005, pp.126-151. National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, Canberra: Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council and Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee, 2007