module specification

 Within the Professional Doctorate there are two Research Methods Modules. These modules collectively will provide the fundamental knowledge that is required in order for students to complete successfully a piece of research required for a dissertation or thesis.
Both Research Methods modules are inter-related and should be considered as an integrated approach to understanding and applying research methods to data collection and analysis. The titles Research Methods and Research for Professional Doctorates I and II is to designate at there are two modules; they are not sequential, they are inter-related. Students on the course may take them in either order, i.e. it is not necessary to have completed I before taking II

This module focuses on  research skills and their application in a law enforcement environment

 This module will cover

research methods and their application to the thesis LO1, LO3

an examination and analysis of contemporary issues in policing and security LO2

writing techniques and avoiding pitfalls in compiling and writing a doctorate thesis LO3, LO4

updating of operational trends and challenges in policing LO2

Taught lectures,presentations  and group discussion 30%
and individual  independent study reflection 70%
This module will be delivered as a long-weekend short course comprising lectures and seminars and based on a collaborative process involving students' active participation. . Self directed learning allows students to and judge differing research methods for themselves and how these will be used in eventually compiling and wirting the projected thesis.
Continued support and guidance will be offered during coursework and assessment. Discussion topics which,besides developing the students, will provide ongoing feedback.

 On successful completion of this module, students will be able to

1.   Undertake differing research and information gathering techniques  and advanced ability of source interpretation
2. Develop knowledge  of, and critical analysis and creative thinking on contemporary policing issues
3  Initiate  the research process and implement  a research plan in order to complete the research necessary for the thesis of the Professional Doctorate
4 Apply the findings and identify any implications of them in writing a doctorate thesis.

 The individual assignment will be a 5000 word essay consisting of research into a law enforcement related topic, and the student will show ,besides the results of the research and conclusion, the methodology of the research and the challenges encountered in applying those research methods

The group assignment will consist of researching a topic and a group presentation of the results,of 30 minutes ,delivered during the course of the module.

 Identify core and additional reading
Liaise with Library Services to confirm availability of on-line licenses in academic year

Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module.  Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks.  Reading Lists will be updated annually.

W Booth et al  (2003) The Craft of Research (2nd edition), University of Chicago Press,
A Bryman,  (2004) Social Research Methods (2nd edition), Oxford University Press,
EL Fiege and K Ott (1999) Underground Economies in Transition, Ashgate- the -the Introduction section where the authors explain the methodology they used.
DR Marples,  (2004) The Collapse of the Soviet Union - section on documents and sources Pearson Longman
U Flick (2013) Introducing Research Methodology Sage Publications
SJ Taylor, R Bogdan, M DeVault (2016) Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A Guidebook and Resource Wiley Publications