Module Identifier
RS25720
Module Title
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Malcolm H Leitch
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 hour lecture per week in Semester 1 (Data analysis)
Lecture 1 x 2 hour lecture per week in Semester 1 (Data analysis)
Lecture 1 x 1 hour lecture in Semester 2 (Research Methods)
Other 1 x 2 hour lecture/workshop (Research methods) in Semester 2 only
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Practical exercises  Outcomes assessed: 5, 6, 7  20%
Semester Assessment Research methodologies assignment  Outcomes assessed: 1, 3, 4, 7  50%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Data analysis Open book examination  Outcomes assessed: 2, 5, 6, 7  30%
Supplementary Assessment Revised research plan  50%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Open book examination  50%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Produce a fully documented review of a body of scientific/social science literature and draw logical conclusions

2. Discuss the differences in experimental approach between quantitative and qualitative research

3. Propose an appropriate experimental hypothesis for subsequent testing

4. Design an appropriate experimental approach for testing an experimental hypothesis

5. Identify appropriate methods of analysis for different types of data

6. Analyse data using a range of statistical methods

7. Interpret experimental data and draw suitable conclusions based on the results of the data analysis

Brief description

ALL OF THE FORMAL TEACHING IN THIS MODULE IS COMPLETED DURING SEMESTER 1. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THEIR RESEARCH PLANS DURING SEMESTER 2.

The 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.

In addition, 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.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
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.
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.
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.

Reading List

General Text
Campbell, R C (1989) Statistics for Biologists 3rd Cambridge University Press, London Primo search Mead, R; Curnow, R H & Hasted, A M (1993) Statistical Methods in Agriculture and Experimental Biology 2nd Chapman and Hall, London Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5