| CODE | PPL1082 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods for Evidence-Based Policy | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 8 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Policy, Politics and Governance | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces students to the basic aspects of study, essay, report writing and research investigations required by public officers. It will also introduce them to the use of library resources, including internet databases, academic journals and referencing styles. Furthermore, students are also exposed to the fundamental idea of how research skills are an invaluable asset towards the realization of evidence-based governance. This interdependency of knowledge and skills involving research and policy forms part of the core talent portfolio of professional public officers. Study-unit Aims: The overall aim of this study-unit is three-fold. - First it helps students develop the technical rigour to undertake research projects by applying scientific designs, methodologies and tools for data collection and analysis. - Secondly, it introduces to students the standard practices of academic research and writing, including acknowledgement of sources, ethics, bibliographies and different report writing formats. - Thirdly, it enables the students to apply research skills to the realization of evidence-based policy. The applicability of scientific research methods to governance and policy is an essential part of the preparation of public officers to lead a meaningful role in the Public Service. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 鈥� identify which research methods are to be used in respect of different tasks; 鈥� employ academic standards approaches in essay and report writing; 鈥� administer an array of different data collection tools, both quantitative and qualitative; 鈥� select the best strategy for data analysis and interpretation; 鈥� respect and apply ethical standards throughout all the stages of the research cycle; 鈥� apply research skills and rigour towards to the formulation of policy based on scientific evidence; 鈥� comprehend the complimentary roles of researchers and public officers in managing policy processes. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 鈥� write planned and structured essays and professional reports; 鈥� question quality standards of reports submitted by others and those of their own; 鈥� distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate research strategies; 鈥� employ library and internet resources in an effective way; 鈥� conduct diverse research methodologies in the formulation and evaluation of public policy. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Text - Bell, J. (2016), Doing Your Research Project, UK: Open University Press. - Cartwright, N. and Hardie, J. (2012), Evidence-Based Policy: A Practical Guide to Doing it Better, Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Vassallo, MT (2012), Public Life in Malta, Vol 1, Malta: University of Malta. - Vassallo, MT (2017), Public Life in Malta, Vol 2, Malta: University of Malta. Supplementary Text - Burnham, P., Gillanrd Lutz, K., Grant, W and Layton-Henry, Z. (2008), Research Methods in Politics, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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