RDEV40670

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Develop a research proposal on a topic generally relevant to the FAM programme; 2. Learn how to design, develop and deliver a quantitative and a qualitative study; 3. Critically assess approaches and methods of quantitative and qualitative research; 4. Critically interpret selected academic (and other) literature in a literature review; 5. Analyse data using appropriate methods 6. Interpret and sythesise research findings in the context of the literature and form appropriate conclusions, policy recommendations and a small number of ideas for further work.

Indicative Module Content:

Developing a research proposal
Literature review
Approaches to research - qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods)
Methods of collecting data
Sampling
Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative; introduction to software for data analysis)
Presenting results

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

This module is delivered over two semesters. There will be two hours per week timetabled contact time with a mixture of lectures, workshops and computer aided labs, all with the purpose of systematically guiding the student through the development of their research proposals, planning data collection, analysing data collected and presenting their findings. The two assignments and the presentation all contribute towards the development of the final research project. Feedback on these components will include recommendations for improvements of their planned research. Students will collect data in their own time, typically over the break between semesters 1 and 2.

Each week the student will be expected to tailor the content delivered to their own research, through task-based activities. Students will also be allocated a supervisor (second half of semester 1) who will individually mentor the student on their own research project.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive class and individual feedback on the three assignments in semester 1 and the presentation in semester 2. Students will also have the support of a supervisor to give individual feedback on a draft of the final project.

Bryman, A (2016). Social Research Methods. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.