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ED10162: Introduction to research methods I

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Education
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
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 student to the methods and practice of research in an educational context.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit students should:
* be able to 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
* Interpretation and analysis of numerical data
* Working independently. F/A
* Team work in the production of an assignment
* Develop and apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry. F/T/A
* Evaluate research critically and assess a variety of information sources. F/T/A
* Formulation of research questions and research design to answer them
* 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).
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

ED10162 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB04 : BA (hons) Childhood, Youth and Education Studies (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHED-AKB04 : BA (hons) Childhood, Youth and Education Studies (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/14 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.