Overview

This module will introduce you to the principal research methods used across the humanities and social sciences through supporting you to work together to answer problems that are relevant to your subject. The module is designed to provide you with a foundation in achieving Bangor Graduate Characteristics, specifically in terms of collaboration, enquiry and taking on new challenges. The role of research across workplaces that employ our graduates is emphasised. The module is also a first step within a research pathway across our degrees.

The nature and order of teaching will vary, but will include the following topics: What is research and what is its purpose? Reading and understanding research papers Literary research and textual analysis Interviews and focus groups Survey design and analysis Research on publicly available data Working with participants Conversation analysis, power and ethics Topic 1 –group work support Topic 2 – group work support Topic 3 - group work support

Assessment Strategy

-Excellent: A- to A* Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding making excellent use of research and examples regarding basic research methods. Excellent evidence of the ability to understand and apply published research. Evidence of the ability to reflect critically on your work and that of others in actionable ways. Compelling evidence of collaboration and leadership to apply research methods to develop research plans to address problems relevant to the topic.

Very Good: B+, B, B- Clear and thorough knowledge and understanding with good use of research and examples regarding basic research methods. Strong evidence of the ability to understand and apply published research. Evidence of the ability to reflect comprehensively on your work and that of others and make changes for your future learning. Good evidence of collaboration and initiative in applying research methods to develop research plans relevant to the topic.

-good: C-, C. C+ Good knowledge and understanding of basic research methods (well referenced with examples). Good evidence of implementing these research methods to develop research plans to address problems relevant to the students’ subject field. Evidence of the ability to reflect on your work and that of others. Good evidence of the ability to understand and apply published research.

-threshold : D-, D, D+ Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of basic research methods and how to use them to develop research plans relevant to the students’ subject field. Some evidence of the ability to reflect on your work and that of others. Evidence of the ability to understand and apply research.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss and reflect on research results

• Exemplify how a research question leads to specific qualitative or quantitative methods

• Propose and refine research questions

• Working together with others to answer a subject-specific problem