Module overview
This module provides a flexible, workshop-based approach to developing students' awareness of core research methods designed to collect, analyse and report quantitative data appropriate for students conducting research projects at postgraduate level in Educational settings.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- - employ appropriate techniques for the systematic analysis and interpretation of quantitative data via inferential statistical analysis.
- - understand the principles of research design and planning which enable collection of quantitative data that may be used to make comparisons between sub-groups within a population;
- - present the results of quantitative data collection and research in an critically-informed way; demonstrate critical awareness of the core methods used for the collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative data;
- - present the results of quantitative data collection and research in an critically-informed way;
Syllabus
The module will focus on foundational approaches to the collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative data via methods commonly used in applied research contexts such as education. Students will attend workshops which focus on the specific characteristics of quantitative data analysis that allow inferences to be drawn from sampled data that lead to conclusions applicable to a wider population. Students will have opportunities to use appropriate software tools to summarise, analyse, and draw appropriate inferences from provided datasets.
A list of key topics which will be covered are as follows:
- key characteristics of quantitative data;
- principles of data presentation and reporting;
- descriptive statistical analysis;
- data assumptions for parametric testing;
- bivariate parametric comparisons;
- methods for explaining variance in dependent variables - ANOVA and regression;
- conducting and interpreting multivariate analyses.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module provides means for students to develop assessable work after attending core research training workshops focused on the collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative data. The workshops will enable students to deepen their critical appreciation of quantitative methods used in the body of pre-existing research evidence as well as supporting the design and implementation of their own research projects in a more critical and informed way.
To facilitate the flexible approach students will be required to register for and attend the relevant research skills development workshops (usually scheduled for a 4 hour half-day session) associated with the core principles of collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative data.
Each workshop will employ a range of teaching and learning methods. Group sizes are likely to be modest (no more that 25-30 students) and provide a mix of
- whole-class lecture and discussion;
- small group interactive discussion and activities;
- hands-on practical tasks related to data collection and analysis.
Where appropriate sessions will be supported by the use of appropriate assistive technologies and software tools for the purpose of data collection and/or analysis.
Members of the student's supervisory and/or programme team will provide additional tutorial support during the module, which will include discussing the focus for the module assignment and how it relates to the students' individual research training needs and proposed research project.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Lecture | 6 |
| Follow-up work | 10 |
| Tutorial | 3 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 40 |
| Completion of assessment task | 25 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
SPSS quantitative data analysis software. SPSS quantitative data analysis software and Amos (for factor/path analysis and Structural Equation Modelling) is available for download via the iSolutions Software download pages.
Textbooks
Robson, C. (2002). Real World Research. Blackwell.
Muijs, D (2011). Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. London: Sage.
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2011). Research Methods in Education. Abingdon, Oxon, UK.: Sage.
Punch, K. & Oancea, A. (2014). Introduction to research methods in education. London, UK: Sage.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 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 |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External