57089 Information Research and Data Analysis

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Information and Knowledge Management
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 57100 People, Information and Knowledge

Handbook description

This is a core subject for the Master of Arts in Information and Knowledge Management. Students are introduced to a range of the quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the study of people and information and develop skills in analysing and presenting data using standard software packages. Students apply their knowledge and skills to designing and executing a pilot research project. The ethics and politics of research are covered and the differing views of reality, the roles of the researcher and the establishment of knowledge claims are introduced.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the study of people, knowledge and information
Demonstrate an understanding of how theoretical approaches to the study of people, knowledge & information can be systematically investigated
Demonstrate skills in analysing and presenting data, including standard software packages
Demonstrate skills in designing and small scale implementation of research projects
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical requirements of social research practice

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject contributes to the aims of the Graduate program in Information and Knowledge Management in a number of important areas. It provides students with an understanding of the relationship between individuals and public/private recorded information, as well as tacit/explicit knowledge, and how these can be identified, captured, structured, valued and shared for effective use. It provides students with an understanding of ethical information practice, and the ability to operate with integrity, rigour, self-reliance and cooperation in professional contexts. It assists students to develop creative, critical, reflective problem-solving capabilities in the context of their professional roles and a commitment to life-long learning.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is taught through a combination of lecture and tutorial. The tutorials are interactive and allow for small group work, role plays, exercises, discussion of readings and computer work (in lab).

Content

Inquiry Methods and Research Ethics.

The subject examines a range of issues in contemporary information research including: current methodological debates; the role of the researcher; Ethical protocols for the conduct of research.

Theoretical Frameworks.

The subject examines how a range of theoretical frameworks for the study of people, information & knowledge can be systematically investigated. It examines such issues as the implications of different ontological, epistemological assumptions (eg nature of reality) etc for research in the field; it examines differing approaches to the establishment of knowledge claims.

Research Design Issues.

A range of research design issues are explored including: inductive approaches such as case studies, ethnographic studies & grounded theory; deductive approaches such as surveys, the development of research objectives, hypotheses and variables; and approaches to sampling e.g random, purposeful, snowball etc.

Methods of Data Collection.

A range of qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection are examined eg surveys; observational methods; a variety of approaches to quantitative and qualitative interviewing, including Time-Line, semi-structured etc; and focus groups.

Analysing Quantitative Data.

Issues covered include: Descriptive and inferential statistics; commonly used measures of central tendency, dispersion and associations; data analysis; presentation of findings & writing the research report.

Analysing Qualitative Data.

Issues covered include: Assessing quality of the data; different frameworks for analysis, eg reconstruction, grounded theory; preparation of data & coding schemes; presentation of findings & writing the research report.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Research Proposal (individual)

Objectives	a, b, d
Value	35%
Due	Week 8
Task	In this task, you will evaluate and develop a research design and instrument that is most appropriate for the investigation of a particular information research topic. In consultation with your instructor, you will identify a research topic for this task (e.g.: a topic of personal interest to you or a hypothetical scenario). You will need to develop and discuss the theoretical framework you consider most appropriate for the research. From this framework you will develop a set of research question/s and propose a range of appropriate research instruments (e.g. observation, Time-Line interviewing, quantitative survey) to conduct the research, analysing their strengths & weaknesses. From the critical evaluation outlined in your proposal, you will recommend one methodology as the most appropriate for your topic/scenario (this will form the basis of Assignment 2).
Assessment criteria	Ability to devise research designs and research questions appropriate to the research topic Ability to select and develop an appropriate research instrument Shows understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different types of research instrument Appropriate and well-developed theoretical framework Wide and relevant reading Clearly written and presented Accurate and complete in-text referencing and bibliography

Assessment item 2: Pilot Research Implementation (individual or group of two)

Objectives	d, e
Value	35%
Due	Week 14
Task	In this task you will conduct and report on your own pilot research project. You will implement and then assess the outcome of using a research instrument selected through your work on Assignment 1. In reporting on the findings from your pilot study, detailed consideration should also be given to the ethics of your research. [There is an option to undertake this assignment as part of a two-person team (with the approval of the instructor). If this assignment is undertaken by two students in such an arrangement your final report must describe and assess your individual contribution.]
Assessment criteria	Appropriate presentation of findings Interpretations consistent with the data Shows understanding of issues and problems arising out of the implementation, including ethical issues Report clearly written and presented (Satisfactory evidence of contribution of both students)

Assessment item 3: Data Analysis Exercise (individual)

Objectives	c
Value	30%
Due	Week 12
Task	Take home SPSS exercise using a uniform data set for analysis. [further information to be provided in class]
Assessment criteria	Ability to use a statistical analysis package to analyse data accurately Shows understanding of descriptive statistics

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Indicative references

Specific reading will be assigned on a week-by-week basis in class, drawing on the class text and occasionally on the suggested texts

CLASS TEXT:
Bryman, Alan 2008, Social Research Methods, 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford UK.

WEEKLY READING SCHEDULE:
Week 1: Bryman, Chapters 1 & 3.
Week 2: Bryman, Chapter 2
Week 3: Bryman, Chapter 5
Week 4: Bryman, Chapter 16
Week 5: Bryman, Chapter 17
Week 6: Bryman, Chapter 18
Week 8: Bryman, Chapter 6
Week 10: Bryman, Chapter 15
Week 12: Bryman, Chapters 22 & 23
Week 13: Williamson, Chapter 18

SUGGESTED TEXTS:
Bouma, Gary D. 2000, The Research Process, 4th ed, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Williamson, K. 2002, Research methods for students, academics and professionals : information management and systems, 2nd ed., Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.

RECOMMENDED REFERENCES:
Dervin, B. 1989, 'Users as research Inventions: How Research Categories Perpetuate Inequities', Journal of Communication, vol.39, no.3, pp.216-232

de Vaus, D. A. 2002, Surveys in Social Research, 5th ed, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, NSW

Gorman G & Clayton, P, 1997, Qualitative Research for the Information Professional, Library Association Publishing, London..

Eager, C., & Oppenheim, C. 1996, 'An observational method for undertaking user needs studies', Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, vol. 28, no. 1, pp.15-23.

Glaser, B. & Strauss, A, 1967, The Discovery of Grounded Theory

Haythornthwaite, C. 1996, 'Social Network Analysis: An Approach and Technique for the Study of Information Exchange', Library and Information Science Research, vol. 18, pp. 323-342.

Hjorland, B. and Albrechtsen, H. 1995, 'Towards a New Horizon in Information Science: Domain Analysis', Journal of the American Society for Information Science, vol.46, no. 6, pp.400-425.

Miles, M. & Huberman, A. 1994, Qualitative Data Analysis: an expanded sourcebook, 2nd ed., Sage, Thousand Oaks, Ca.

Reinard, J.C. 1994, Introduction to communication research, Brown and Benchmark, Madison, Wisc.

SPSS Manual (latest edition)

Strauss, A & Corbin, J. 1990, Basics of Qualitative Research

Wang, C. and Burris, M. 1997, 'Photovoice: concept, methodology and use for participatory needs assessment', Health Education & Behavior, vol. 24, no.3, pp. 369-387.

Widdows, R. et al., 1991, ' The focus group interview: a method for assessing users' evaluation of library service', College & Research Libraries, vol. 52, no.4. pp. 352-359.

Wilson, T.D. 2002, 'Alfred Schutz, phenomenology and research methodology for information behaviour research' in the Working Papers of the Fourth International Conference: Information Seeking in Context, Lisbon, Universidade Lusiada de Lisboa, pp.193-207.