Certificate in Critical Research (Foundations, Futures and Skills)

Course details

Critical Research (Foundations, Futures and Skills) explores the ways in which the internet can support traditional research methods and also the ways in which it can be used to conduct research in more innovative ways. The advent of web 2.0 technologies enables researchers to do things not possible using traditional methods. It sets out to provide the information about method, techniques, procedures and tools which are required for internet based research.

This course evaluates studies and research which focus on human interactions with emerging technologies, including the internet, mobile computing, mobile phones, games consoles, virtual reality, digital media and any other technology, which has demonstrated an ability to alter human behaviours. It also introduces the tools that are currently being used in on-line research and data analysis.

The course aims to provide you with the skills required in order to carry out empirical research with technology and in virtual environments. It is drawn from the MSc in Cyberpsychology (DL155) in IADT.

On completion of the programme, you will be able to:

• Design and complete an internet based research study (i.e. experiment, survey, observation, interview, content analysis, use of tests and scales)
• Develop appropriate and interesting research questions related to cyberpsychology and other areas of interest
• Identify and evaluate alternative potential research designs
• Analyse and interpret the findings of an internet based research study
• Communicate the findings of an internet based research study to a wider audience through alternative methods (e.g. poster, website, oral presentation, empirical APA style report)
• Critically evaluate research in cyberpsychology and other areas of interest.

Aims and Learning Objectives

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

The knowledge and skills you have acquired will be invaluable in a wide range of careers and activities, and so can be applied to virtually any endeavour related to technology and research. This course will be highly relevant to individuals:who wish to update their research skills who want to become familiar with the latest research using online technologies who are trying to research the potential of ICT to assess/help individuals and groups who wish to develop research skills involving technology who work in organisations developing an online presence What type of topics will I study?

The content may vary from year to year in response to the prominent technologies and research of the time, however some indicative content would include:

• Hypothesis generation and testing
• Internet based research designs
• Proposal writing
• Surveys and online questionnaires
• On-line experimental designs
• Ethnographic research
• Online tests and scales
• Online ethical considerations
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Qualitative research online
• Using web.20 technologies for research

What are the entry requirements?

•  Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Degree level
• Applicants may also be considered provided they can demonstrate Degree equivalence, which can be verified through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process
• Shortlisted applicants may be called for interview