Students will gain an introduction to using literature, research design, and methods for data collection and analysis. The module is intended to underpin final stage projects. This module provides part of the background needed to undertake, at final year degree level, research including quantitative and qualitative research methods. Successful students should be able to demonstrate that they understand the concepts and how they should be applied to the production of a project proposal and a project.
Intended Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
Write an appropriate proposal for an undergraduate project, using appropriate literature and with a suitable research design.
Argue the choice of a range of research methods.
Utilise published research effectively and appropriately.
Indicative Content
Research Approach
Qualitative/ Quantitative analysis.
Strategies, field work, case studies, experimentation, sampling and surveys, observational analysis, brainstorming, focus groups.
Research design, writing aims and objectives.
Research Instruments
Methods of data collection Measurements, devising and refining questions.
Inferential/descriptive statistics: sampling techniques, devising and testing hypotheses, statistical testing.
Surveys, case work, interviews.
Information sources
Using information sources. Literature searches and reviews, referencing systems.
Teaching and Learning
Principles and theory will be taught by means of lecture sessions interspersed through the module. Tutorial sessions will be run to enable students to put theory into practice via literature and case studies.
Students will be expected to undertake reading in their own time.
Method of Assessment
Assessment
Weighting
Group Presentation
20%
A researched project proposal
80%
Pass Requirement: Module Mark must be at least 40%.