Module overview
This module will introduce you to the content and structure of the dissertation and prepare you for designing and undertaking a small-scale research project in education. The sessions will focus on helping you formulate appropriate research problems and questions, consider when it is appropriate to use quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and develop a good research proposal. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills in analysing quantitative or qualitative data and presenting your findings.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand how research questions are formulated
- Develop a research proposal
- Have an understanding of the main methodological and practical issues associated with using qualitative and quantitative instruments of data collection and approaches to analysis
- Have an understanding of the content and structure of the dissertation
Syllabus
The content of this module will typically cover:
- Processes involved in designing a small scale research project in education
- Formulating research questions and identifying appropriate research methods
- Elements of a good research proposal
- Main characteristics of qualitative and quantitative instruments of data collection
- Main approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- The content and structure of the dissertation
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 |
| Tutorial | 4 |
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 36 |
| Completion of assessment task | 70 |
| Follow-up work | 20 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Newby, P. (2010). Research Methods for Education. Edinburgh: Pearson Education Ltd.
Creswell, J. (1994/2003). Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Sage: Thousand Oaks.
Robson, .C. (2002). Real World Research. Oxford: Blackwell.
Thomas, Gary (2013). How to do your research project: a guide for students in education and applied social sciences. London: Sage.
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2011). Research Methods in Education. London: Routledge.
Muijs, D. (2011). Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. London: Sage.
Punch, K. & Oancea, A (2009). Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London: Sage.
Yin, R. (2003). Applications of case study research. London: Sage.
Creswell, J. (2014). Educational research: planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External