Module Information

Module Identifier
BRM4120
Module Title
ATP Research Methodologies
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Mrs Julia Ann Jenkins
Semester
Distance Learning

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 10x Summative Assessments  50%
Semester Assessment Interpreting results/solutions for practical use by agri-food supply chains  25%
Semester Assessment Research Proposal  25%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Apply statistical knowledge in the context of postgraduate research.

Identify appropriate methods for different types of data.

Anaylse and interpret the results from a range of different statistical analyses.

Generate appropriate research hypotheses and research objectives.

Assimilation and synthesis of information from published research and databases.

Clearly describe and communicate research findings.

Brief description

This module provides the tools necessary for carrying out independent research. Part 1 will cover qualitative and qualitative statistical methods for analysing data. Part 2 will build towards the students identifying a suitable dissertation topic and will be taught to evaluate existing research published in a range of different sources. The students will also evaluate the different knowledge exchange mechanisms that are appropriate to the audience.

Content

The aim of this module is to provide training relevant to assessments within other modules, including the Masters dissertation. The module will cover the following principle areas:

Part 1: statistics
  • T-tests, ANOVA, Correlation/Regression and Non-parametric tests.
  • Students will choose a further six sub-units from the following subject areas:
  • Data handling and presentation, multifactorial ANOVA, post-hoc significance tests, repeated measures/split plot ANOVA, cross over designs, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), principle component analysis, multiple regression, curvilinear regression, canonical variate analysis (CVA), discriminant function analysis (DFA, survey/questionnaire design and analysis, GIS.
Part 2: research skills
  • The nature of research and the research process.
  • Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research.
  • Assessment of published research.
  • Scientific writing and the production of a masters dissertation.
Part 1 of the module will contain a range of recorded lectures detailing each statistical test and instructive guides on how to perform each statistical test using specialist statistics software. Online formative and summative assessments which will test the students understanding and application of each statistical test. Part 2 will contain a range of recorded lectures, interviews and other recorded material which will explore the nature of research and scientific publication. Part 2 has two assessments. The first assessment will evaluate the students ability to review published literature, and synthesise and communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner. The second assessment is a research proposal on their chooses dissertation topic and will detail the hypothesis that will be tested, highlight some of the key research publications in their chosen area and present the experimental design they intend to implement, including detail on the statistical methods they intend to utilise.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will be taught statistical techniques and expected to complete both formative and summative assessment which will involve.
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in their assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work.
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases and be taught to use specialist statistical software.
Personal Development and Career planning Research Project Plan – developed in collaboration with employer and supervisor.
Problem solving Online quizzes will be used to help develop and improve students problem solving skills.
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self study and so will develop their literature research skills.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7