| Module Identifier | RD20920 | |||||||||||||||||
| Module Title | RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION | |||||||||||||||||
| Academic Year | 2006/2007 | |||||||||||||||||
| Co-ordinator | Dr Malcolm H Leitch | |||||||||||||||||
| Semester | Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other staff | Professor William Haresign | |||||||||||||||||
| Mutually Exclusive | RD25520 | |||||||||||||||||
| Course delivery | Lecture | Semester 1: 2 x 2 hour lectures per week (Data Analysis) and 1 x 1 hour lecture per week (Research Methodologies) | ||||||||||||||||
| Practical | 7 x 2 hour workshops in Semester 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Assessment |
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Outcome 1
Produce a fully documented review of a body of scientific/social science literature and draw logical conclusions
Performance criteria:
a. Relevant information is selected and included in the review.
b. A range of information sources covering the scope of the subject is presented.
c. Information is compiled, selected, interpreted and summarised in the student's own words.
d. Conclusions are identified and presented.
e. Reference to published material is cited appropriately in the text.
Ranges:
Dependent on subject area.
Information Sources: books, journal articles, press, personal communications, other
published material, results from investigations (where applicable).
Reference citation: Harvard system.
Outcome 2
Discuss the differences in experimental approach between quantitative and qualitative research
Performance criteria:
a. Definitions of quantitative and qualitative research methods can be given.
b. Examples of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies can be quoted.
Ranges:
Dependent upon subject area
Outcome 3
Propose an appropriate experimental hypothesis for subsequent testing
Performance criteria:
a. The general introduction to the subject provides a background to the topic studied.
b. The significance and context of the subject area is stated.
c. The aims of the project are presented.
d. The limitations of the project/scope of study are identified and presented.
Ranges:
Dependent on subject area.
Outcome 4
Design an appropriate experimental approach for testing an experimental hypothesis
Performance criteria:
a. The methodology is presented and could be repeated by other workers.
b. A suitable/correct methodology is employed within the project.
c. Details of equipment/survey technique used are recorded.
Ranges:
Suitable/correct methodology: dependent on subject area.
Equipment/survey technique: dependent on subject area.
Metric system of measurement.
Outcome 5
Identify appropriate methods of analysis for different types of data
Performance criteria:
a. Method chosen is appropriate to the numbers of treatment groups.
b. Method chosen is appropriate to the type of data available.
Ranges:
Methods: parametric and distribution free non-parametric tests.
Data: discrete and continuously variable.
Outcome 6
Analyse data using a range of statistical methods
Performance criteria:
a. Correct arithmetic procedures are followed.
b. Test statistics are correctly compared to published values.
Ranges
Parametric and distribution free non-parametric test.
Outcome 7
Interpret experimental data and draw suitable conclusions based on the results of the data analysis
Performance criteria:
a. A suitable report format is chosen.
b. Conclusions and recommendations are made in view of the results of the statistical tests.
Ranges:
Parametric and non-parametric tests.
Example data provided or collected by the student.
This module is designed to develop an appreciation of the scientific method, moving from a critical analysis of the existing scientific literature to the development of an experimental hypothesis through to the design of experimental approaches for testing the hypothesis, and the statistical evaluation of data and their interpretation. The production of a detailed research plan will require students to review the relevant scientific literature, propose an experimental hypothesis for testing, and design an experiment to test this hypothesis, taking due account of statistical techniques to be used for data analysis and resources available. This will adopt a formative approach in which the students will be required to develop their plan in stages, will be provided with feedback on their initial attempts and then be given opportunity to revise their plans in order to form a workable project for their final year dissertation.
The module includes the theory and practice of a range of statistical methodologies. These include probability, a description of the normal distribution and parametric tests based on samples drawn from normally distributed populations including t-tests, one way and multi way ANOVA and correlation and regression analysis. Non-parametric methods will include chi-square analysis of frequencies, contingency tables, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank correlation. This component of the course is taught through a series of two-hour lecture/practical sessions consisting of an introductory lecture followed by practical examples to work through.
| Research skills | For the production of the research plan, students will be required to understand a range of research methods, plan and carry out research, write in an academic context and evaluate research methods, design and procedures. | ||
| Communication | For the review of literature, students will be required to read in different contexts and for different purposes. For the production of the literature review and research plan, they will be required to write for different purposes and audiences. | ||
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will learn to manage their own time in achieving objectives. Production of the research plan requires students to work to specific deadlines. | ||
| Information Technology | Students will be required to word process to produce a variety of formats of documents; find information on the internet and access information via an on-line library system; all of these skills will be required in the production of the research plan. | ||
| Application of Number | Students will be required to word process to produce a variety of formats of documents; find information on the internet and access information via an on-line library system; all of these skills will be required in the production of the research plan. | ||
This module is at CQFW Level 5