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LP20520: Introduction to research methods

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Computer Science (administered by the Learning Partnerships Office)
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2 at Chichester College
Semester 2 at City of Bath College
Semester 2 at Weston College
Semester 2 at Wiltshire College
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 80%, OR 20%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions 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 subsequent research.

Learning Outcomes:

* Identify a range of research methods and techniques;
* Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the research approaches identified;
* Critically 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 (F,A)
* Demonstrating appropriate critical thinking skills (T,F,A)
* Presenting and developing an argument, drawing upon appropriate literature and theory (F,A)
Professional
* Working in an independent and autonomous way (F, A)
* Developing reflective practice in self (F, A)
* Communicating professionally, using different formats (T, F, A)
* Understanding ethical issues relevant to research (T, F, A)
Key/Transferable
* Solving problems (T, F)
* Working logically and systematically to produce a report within timescales (T, A)
Practical
* Assessing strengths and development needs (T, A)
* Planning appropriate support and monitoring progress (T, F)

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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

LP20520 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Programmes administered by the Learning Partnerships Office
  • USCM-SFF24 : FdA Creative Digital Media (Full-time at Chichester College) - Year 2
  • USCM-WFF25 : FdA Creative Digital Media (Full-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2
  • USCM-DFF23 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at City of Bath College) - Year 2
  • USCM-DPF23 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at City of Bath College) - Year 2
  • USCM-LFF22 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at Weston College) - Year 2
  • USCM-WFF22 : FdSc Applied Computing (Full-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2
  • USCM-WPF22 : FdSc Applied Computing (Part-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.