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Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


AS10052: Research methods

Click here for further information Credits: 10
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Academic Year at Wiltshire College
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description:

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit the learner will be able to:
* Identify a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to Early Years settings and practice.
* Review, select and evaluate a range of literature relevant to Early Years research and practice.
* Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the range of research approaches.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and the ethical issues related to the conduct of a research project.

Skills:
The professional practice for this unit is that the learner must demonstrate whilst working as a Senior Practitioner that they can:
* Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, including the ability to:
* Identify and summarise the main points in an argument;
* Present and develop an argument, drawing upon appropriate evidence, literature and theory;
* Analyse and synthesise research, theories and ideas from multiple sources;
* Examine issues from a range of professional and theoretical perspectives;
* Produce critical and evaluative responses to the content of the learning out comes.

Content:
Identification of a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to early years settings and practice to include:
* Introduction to action research and its application
* Exploration of ethnography and its application
* Case study approaches to research
* Experimental approaches to research
* Using surveys in research in early years settings
Exploration of tools appropriate for research in early years settings and practice including:
* Questionnaires
* Interviews
* Observation
* Review of documents
The use of literature reviews to establish the existing state of knowledge in the area of research. Evaluation of existing research with reference to:
* Use of qualitative and quantitative methods
* Consideration of appropriateness of small scale and large scale studies in relation to the research topic.
Awareness of ethical issues related to research methodology including:
* Confidentiality
* Informed consent
* Protection from harm
* Protection of rights (issues in relation to children and carers)
Knowledge of the stages of the research process including:
* Undertaking issue analysis
* Formulation of an hypothesis
* Collection and presentation of data
* Analysis of data
* Review and evaluation
* Production of a research report
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

AS10052 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Learning Partnerships
  • UDAS-WPF03 : FdA Early Childhood Studies (Part-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.