Module Information

Module Identifier
ED23820
Module Title
Research Methods
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 10 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Assignment  1 x 2500 word essay  50%
Semester Assessment Dissertation proposal  1 x dissertation proposal   50%
Supplementary Assessment Assignment  All failed elements of the assessments must be re-taken if the student's average mark falls below the required pass mark of 40%. 1 x 2500 word essay  50%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation proposal  All failed elements of the assessments must be re-taken if the student's average mark falls below the required pass mark of 40%. 1 x dissertation proposal  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Critically evaluate different types of research design.

Critically discuss the differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs.

Critically examine relevant literature in their chosen research field.

Demonstrate critical engagement with relevant source material.

Brief description

This module will provide an introduction to a range of research methods commonly employed in educational research. It will also aim to develop the students' awareness of the issues associated with different methodological choices and guide the students in the planning of a small scale research project.

Aims

Provide the student with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to conduct small scale research effectively.
Introduce the student to a variety of research designs and methodologies.
Enable the student to critically evaluate the methodologies and relevant literature.

Content

Sessions may be a combination of lectures, seminars or workshops and will include the following topics:
Session 1: Types of research
Session 2: Qualitative research methods
Session 3: Quantitative research methods
Session 4: Planning a methodology and analysing data
Session 5: Research ethics
Session 6: Critical reading and formulating research questions/hypotheses
Session 7: Structuring a literature review
Session 8: Writing a dissertation proposal
Session 9: Individual guidance sessions on dissertation proposals
Session 10: Individual guidance sessions on dissertation proposals

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Occasional descriptive statistics in lectures and sources.
Communication Communication techniques are a vital element throughout lectures and seminars. Spoken communication throughout seminar activities. Written communication throughout written assessment
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback from the written assignment and personal reflection during seminar tasks encourage improved performance.
Information Technology Students will be required to submit all work electronically.
Personal Development and Career planning Students provided with an opportunity to explore educational research fields.
Problem solving An essential element in the process of critical assessment.
Research skills Research is required for the main assessments.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work Seminar activities provide many opportunities for team work, including group discussions and debates.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5