Run by School of Educational Sciences

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

This module introduces you to quantitative and qualitative research in Education and will give you the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare you to undertake research for your dissertation. Throughout the module you will develop an understanding of the different approaches to educational research, ethical issues, and of the range of methodological tools that can be adopted to gather data.

1. An Introduction to Educational Research;
2. The Research Question;
3. An Overview of Quantitative Research Methods;
4. Ethics and Educational Research;
5. An Overview of Qualitative Research Methods;
6. Observations;
7. Evaluating research articles;
8. Designing Questionnaires;
9. Presenting Questionnaire data;
10. Conducting Interviews;
11. Analysing Qualitative Data;
12. Assignment Guidance
13. Single Case Experimental Designs;
14. Case Studies;
15. Action Research;
16. Writing your Research Proposal;
17. Tutorial(s);
18. Internet Research;
19. Academic Writing;

threshold

threshold 50-59 % • Sufficient planning in relation to the learning outcomes; • Consideration given to planning and structure; • Discussion of at least one research approach and one method; • Links made between research aims and research findings; • Demonstrates some knowledge of research methods and relevant literature; • Demonstrates comprehension of different approaches to research; • Demonstrates some understanding of research study structure (Assignment 1); • Demonstrates some understanding of research ethics (Assignment 2).

good

Good 60-69% • Showing sustained and relevant arguments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of research studies and particular research approaches/methods; • Employs theoretical perspectives and research methods literature to inform critical analysis of research studies; • Makes clear and informed links between research aims and findings; • Well planned in relation to learning outcomes and structure of argument; • Demonstrates applied knowledge of research methods and relevant literature; • Ability to compare and contrast different approaches to research; • Applied understanding of research ethics (Assignment 2).

excellent

Excellent 70-89% • Demonstrates an engaged and critical analysis of resources used, showing original insights on contrasting research approaches and methods; • Demonstrates strong capacity to contrast quantitative and qualitative approaches and a wide range of methods, showing original insights on the implications these may have for research findings; • Uses, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of, a range of relevant theoretical perspectives linked to methodology; • Produces original and challenging ideas in relation to research (Assignment 2); • Engages critically with a comprehensive range of research literature applied to research studies and the research proposal. 90-100 % Outstanding: This work demonstrates exceptional scholarship and is worthy of publication, or is instrumental in developing professional practice.

1. Assess, justify and critique different approaches to educational research, including methods and data analysis.

2. Critically understand and justify the use of different research methods and practices relevant to students’ own areas of interest. (Students may then use this as a basis for their dissertation proposal.)

3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of practitioner research issues, for example in carrying out action research projects, and the researcher's own position in the process.

4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods literature and its practical applications.

5. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative or quantitative approaches and mixed methods in educational research.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Literature Review of methods		40.00
	Mini Research Project		60.00

		Hours
Lecture	Lectures; 6 x 3 hrs	18
Seminar	Seminars/workshops; 5 x 3hrs	15
Private study	Private study and research	267

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Show originality in the application of subject specific knowledge and understanding.
• Adapt and transfer ideas from one educational context to another.
• Identify problems, evaluate solutions and critique research associated with educational practice.
• Acquire and analyse data in an educational context.
• Adopt an ethically sound approach to research with children and vulnerable adults.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/xme-4211.html