Description
This module provides the student with the theoretical underpinning required to pursue a detailed investigation of a research topic of choice. It explores the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and the range of statistical analysis techniques used in conducting research, as well as the development of project management skills.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with a range of theoretical and practical skills required to carry out research in a specified area appropriate to the programme of study.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Critically review current knowledge in a specified area, and establish its status and limitations.
2. Identify, select and define a research question(s) and justify its relevance to practice and its significance as a potential contribution to existing knowledge.
3. Select and justify a research methodology to meet specified research aims and objectives.
4. Develop a Research Proposal & research management plan including documentation to satisfy university regulatory protocols with regards to risk assessment and ethical approval of the proposal
5. Critically analyse and interpret primary/secondary research data (quantitative and qualitative), testing for validity and reliability of the results.
Indicative Content
1 Introduction to Research
The nature and purpose of research; different types of research (quantitative qualitative, mixed methods, developmental, practice based) and their mapping within different philosophical paradigms (positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism); strengths and weaknesses.
2 Dealing with Practical Issues
The research process; identifying a research topic and setting research objectives; developing a research strategy; characteristics of a good research project; ethical issues in conducting research.
3 Searching and Reviewing the Literature
The purposes and main steps of a literature review; searching, evaluating, organizing and synthesizing the relevant literature; and, writing a literature review and managing bibliographic records. In addition, developing research questions for qualitative and quantitative research; and identifying characteristics/attributes.
4 Data Collection and Analysis
Approaches to data collection and analysis (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, iterative); questionnaire design; populations, samples, and sampling methods; data Mining.
5 Writing your Research Proposal
Identifying a research problem or issue, the purpose of the research and the main research question(s); choosing the research strategy and methods; writing a research proposal. In addition: discussing findings, formulating conclusions, making recommendations, and reporting; planning, executing, writing up, and submitting a dissertation.
6 Descriptive Statistics for Quantitative and Qualitative D
Summarizing and visualizing data sets; finding trends in data and formulating a research hypothesis.
7 Introduction to Probability and Statistical Inference
Basic concepts of probability and probability distribution; discrete and continuous random variables; basic probability distributions; introduction to the hypothesis testing procedure.
8 The Hypothesis Testing Procedure
Parametric and non-parametric tests; Chi-squared Test for Association; Independent Sample t-Test; One and Two Way Analysis of Variance ANOVA; power calculation and sample size estimation
9 Correlation and Regression
Relationship between two numeric variables, dependent and independent variable; Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient; Simple Linear Regression.
10 Multiple Regression
Multiple Regression Analysis and introduction to the General Linear Model.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 6 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 10 |
| Practical Activity | 20 |
| Assessment | 55 |
| Independent | 109 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
