Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ED10162 Introduction to research methods I |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To introduce the student to the methods and practice of research in an educational context.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit students should: * Critically evaluate research reports, describe various research designs, employing qualitative and quantitative techniques and understand rudimentary statistical methods; * Have some understanding of issues and caveats relating to research ethics, sampling, data collection and analysis, and the interpretation of findings. Skills: * Production of concise, scholarly, written communication to agreed specifications and deadlines. F/A * Analysis and synthesis of written information from multiple sources. F/A * Oral presentation skills. F * Interpretation and analysis of numerical data. T/F/A * Working independently. F/A * Team work in the production of an assignment. F * Develop and apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry. F/T/A * Evaluate research critically ad assess a variety of information sources. F/T/A * Formulation of research questions and research design to answer them. T/F/A * Information management and technology skills. F/T Content: This unit will introduce students to the background and principles of social science research, including philosophy, design and research approaches, with an emphasis on quantitative methods (in RM1) and to mixed methods of research. They will gain understanding of questionnaire design and surveys, sampling strategies and procedures, issues in data collection and analysis, including basic techniques in statistical analysis (descriptive, with simple notions of statistical significance testing), and issues concerning the presentation and discussion of research in education. Where relevant unit content will include issues and empirical research (including guest speakers from within and outside of the University) relating to 'childhood, youth and education'/'education for international development'. |