Undergraduate, Postgraduate - UnitBTX4900 - Research Methods and Proposal

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit discusses the fundamental theoretical premises that can frame legal and regulatory research. It explores ways of formulating research question(s) and hypotheses, and identifies assumptions and theories that are relevant in the development of a conceptual framework for research. The topics discussed will cover principles of legal and social scientific methods, such as relational theory, comparative law, regulatory theory, social constructivism, systems theory and critical legal theory). Stress will be placed on developing argument analysis (e.g. avoiding fallacies in reasoning, evaluating and constructing sound arguments). These discussions will clarify the theoretical and practical underpinnings of research design, inform subsequent analyses of how to select different research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed), and illustrate key issues associated with the main arguments development in research work. The unit will also examine ways of presenting a compelling theoretical and practical case for legal and regulatory research. Finally, students will prepare a research proposal and report.

Outcomes

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. enhance students' awareness of the core theoretical and methodological perspectives that underpin research about law and regulation at the honours level
2. increase students' understanding of the principles involved in producing sound complex arguments as required in writing an approved research project
3. consider and evaluate material presented in the research and methodology seminar series
4. apply theoretical and methodological knowledge in the preparation of a research proposal for a research project.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Brendan Sweeney

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in course BBus(Hons) (Taxation) to undertake this unit

Prohibitions

BTF4900