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Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


ED20409: Doing social science research

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
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: Before taking this unit you must take ED10355
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This unit aims to enable students to develop their understanding of how research methods can be best applied in the context of their professional practice.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students will have an understanding of techniques of small-scale enquiry, including case study and action research approaches. They will understand how to generate professionally relevant research questions, to develop an appropriate research design, and to locate and review literature in appropriate fields. They will be introduced to methods of data collection and techniques of analysis in professional contexts.

Skills:

* Production of concise, scholarly, written communication to agreed specifications and deadlines. T/F
* Analysis and synthesis of written information from multiple sources. T/A
* Development of arguments through the precise use of concepts. T/F/A
* Oral presentation skills. F
* Selection, presentation, interpretation and analysis of numerical data T/F/A
* Working independently. F
* Formulation of research questions and research design to answer them T/F/A

Content:
The following topics will be covered:
* Preliminary Considerations: Conceptual Frameworks, Literature Reviews, Use of theory
* Quantitative Approaches to Social Science: A critical engagement with quantitative techniques of small scale inquiry (survey research, experimental design, sampling, case studies, media analysis, interviews)
* Qualitative Approaches to Social Science: A critical engagement with qualitative techniques of small scale inquiry (interviews, ethnography, participant observation, focus groups, media analysis, case studies, PAR)
* Analysis & Interpretation: Critical engagement with the practices of validity, generalisabilty, credibility, trustworthiness, reciprocity.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

ED20409 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB01 : BA (hons) Coach Education & Sports Development (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHED-AKB01 : BA (hons) Coach Education & Sports Development (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

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