Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
AS20341: Introduction to research methods |
 Credits:
| 5 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 2 at Bridgwater College | |
| Semester 2 at City of Bath College | |
| Semester 2 at Swindon College | |
| Semester 2 at Weston College | |
| Semester 2 at Weymouth College | |
| Semester 2 at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment:
| CW 80%, OR 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: To introduce the students to the range of methods which can be used to carry out research and to understand how to select and justify one or more methods for a particular topic. This will enable the student to become a confident, evaluative reader of research and give them tools to carry out research themselves subsequently. Learning Outcomes: * Identify a range of research methods and techniques; * Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the research approaches identified; * Evaluate, select and use appropriate sources of information on a selected topic; * Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and the ethical issues related to the conduct of a research project. Skills: Intellectual * Improving own learning and performance * Demonstrating appropriate critical thinking skills * Presenting and developing an argument, drawing upon appropriate literature and theory Professional * Working in an independent and autonomous way * Developing reflective practice in self * Communicating professionally, using different formats * Understanding ethical issues relevant to research Key/Transferable * Solving problems * Working logically and systematically to produce a report within timescales Practical * Assessing strengths and development needs * Planning appropriate support and monitoring progress. Content: This unit concentrates on: The identification of a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to work settings to include: * Introduction to action research and its application * Case study approaches to research * Consideration of appropriateness of small scale and large scale research and qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the research topic chosen. * Use of both primary and secondary information sources - paper and electronic-based * Methods of analysing and presenting data in a format appropriate to the content and audience. * Methods to assess objectivity, validity, reliability, relevance and currency of data and research. Design and appropriateness of tools appropriate for research in work settings including: * Questionnaires * Interviews * Observation * Surveys * Review of documents * Testing and the use of experimental research * The use of literature reviews to establish the existing state of knowledge in the area of research. Awareness of ethical issues related to research methodology including: * Confidentiality - sharing information appropriately * Informed consent * Protection from harm * Protection of rights * Data protection - handling and storing information Knowledge of the stages of the research process including: * Undertaking analysis of a topic * Formulation of an hypothesis * Collection, presentation and analysis of data * Review and evaluation * Production of a research report. |