Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this module students will:
1. Have a comprehensive understanding of the social science research process and its application to Planning;
2. Be able to search and interpret literature relevant to the application of an independent project;
3. Be able to select and apply appropriate qualitative methods to conduct a research project;
4. Be able to input, manipulate and interrogate data using appropriate statistical techniques and software;
5. Have developed independent strategic thinking to evaluate data, solve problems and reflect on the applied research process;
6. Have acquired skills in research management and presentation in both written and oral form.
In addition, students should also develop the following generic, professional and employability skills:
• Independent critical and analytical skills
• The ability to apply knowledge and skills in a research context
• Team working and communication skills
• Data search and synthesis and written, numerical, digital, graphical presentation skills
• Application of ICT skills
Indicative Module Content:
This module includes 8 two-hour lectures and 4 lab-based workshops. There will usually be a short break halfway through the lecture sessions
Week Topic
1 Introduction to Module & Research Design
2 Literature Review & Using the Library’s Resources
3 Qualitative Data Collection
4 Analysing Qualitative Data
5 Accessing Secondary Data
6 Quantitative Data Collection
7 Quantitative Data Analysis
8 Lab 1 – Intro to SPSS: Data Entry
9 Lab 2 - Analysing and Modifying Data
10 Lab 3 - T Test and Chi Square
11 Lab 4 - Correlation
12 Review & Assignment Support