Students will devise a research question that can be answered using a digital methods approach, using at least one of the tools covered in the module

Students will devise a research question that can be answered using a digital methods approach, using at least one of the tools covered in the module (Web Data Research Assistant, YouTube Data Tools, Zeeschuimer). Other tools are not permitted.

The student will undertake the relevant research and produce a report which summarises the research and findings and the methods used. The report will reflect on the strengths and limitations of the chosen tool and methods, the extent to which they shape the research questions that can be asked and the data that can be found, and the ethical challenges and implications of using these methods. Students should use the following layout for their project report.

1.Title

2.Introduction (200 words). Brief presentation of research topic and research problem.

3.Context & Research Question (300). Briefly review relevant literature and conclude with the presentation of your specific research question.

4.Data and Methods (800). Consider the following issues:

What data have you collected and analysed?

Why is the data relevant to your research question?

How did you gather the data? Describe the sample period if relevant.

What analysis have you carried out?

Explain the reasons why your analytical techniques were the best way to address your research question.

Discuss any ethical issues connected to the research.

5.Findings and Discussion (600): present your findings (with paraphrased quotes, visualisations, tables if relevant).

6.Conclusion (600). What answer can you provide to your research question? How does this answer compare to existing research on the topic (do your findings align with existing research or does it suggest new developments)? What limitations are there in your research (critically discuss possible flaws in the methodology)? What possible ways could the research be developed and improved in the future?