2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5010M Research Methods

15 creditsClass Size: 130

Module manager: Dr Julia Martin-Ortega
Email: J.Martin-Ortega@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

By the end of this module students should be aware of the relationship between philosophy and research practice, as well as different disciplinary and interdisciplinary research paradigms and strategies. They should understand relationships between theory, conceptualization, method, hypotheses or research questions, evidence and measurement, as well as issues related to objectivity, generalisability, reliability and utility of research.

The students should be familiar with appropriate methods and have the research skills relevant to their dissertation projects. In particular, they should have the skills to use statistical, computational and other resources at their disposal. They should also have gained research skills contributing to their professional careers or further studies in higher education.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
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- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
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- referencing work in an appropriate manner;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
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- preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;

- appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory.


The module places moderate emphasis on:
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members;
- solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information;
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places some emphasis on:
- evaluating performance as an individual and a team member.

Syllabus

1. Classic and contemporary research strategies
2. Research designs and writing a research proposal
3. Qualitative research methodology
4. Practical: doing interviews
5. Organising and analysing qualitative data
6. Practical: analysing qualitative data using appropriate software
7. Quantitative research methodology
8. Practical: doing questionnaires
9. Practical: using computer software for bivariate analysis and multivariate regression.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	2	2.00	4.00
Computer Class	4	2.00	8.00
Lecture	9	2.00	18.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Preparation of readings, data collection homework and assignments (124 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A skills survey in the beginning of the module. Evaluation of performance and provision of feedback after each assignment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	On research design (1,500 words)	35.00
Essay	On data collection and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) (3,500 words plus appendices)	65.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/09/2015

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