Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
RD20900
Module Title
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | Semester 1: 2 x 2 hour lectures per week (Data Analysis) and 1 x 1 hour lecture per week (Research Methodologies). Semester 2: 1 x 1 hour lecture per week |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Practical exercises Outcomes assessed: 5, 6, 7 | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours Statistics open book exam held in Semester 1 exam period Outcomes assessed: 2, 5, 6, 7 | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Research methodologies assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 3, 4, 7 | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Candidates will be required to re-take the assessment that led to failure. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Outcome 1
Produce a fully documented review of a body of scientific/social science literature and draw logical conclusions
Outcome 2
Discuss the differences in experimental approach between quantitative and qualitative research
Outcome 3
Propose an appropriate experimental hypothesis for subsequent testing
Outcome 4
Design an appropriate experimental approach for testing an experimental hypothesis
Outcome 5
Identify appropriate methods of analysis for different types of data
Outcome 6
Analyse data using a range of statistical methods
Outcome 7
Interpret experimental data and draw suitable conclusions based on the results of the data analysis
Brief description
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. ONLY CASIO FX-83 OR FX-85 CALCULATORS MAY BE USED IN THE EXAMINATION
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. ONLY CASIO FX-83 OR FX-85 CALCULATORS MAY BE USED IN THE EXAMINATION
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 TextCampbell, 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