2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5010M Research Methods
15 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Julia Martin-Ortega
Email: J.Martin-Ortega@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
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 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 social sciences methods (qualitative and quantitative) and have the research skills relevant to their dissertation projects. 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:
- Understanding what characterizes social Science as a way of producing knowledge;
- Understanding and getting familiar with the research process;
- Critically reviewing scientific literature to identify research gaps, formulate research questions and discuss new results;
- Understanding and getting familiar with quantitative and qualitative methods, their purpose, application and limitations in the context of social science research;
- Formulating and testing hypotheses;
- Applying knowledge and understanding to address sustainability challenges;
- Collecting, recording, analysing data using appropriate techniques;
- Referencing work in an appropriate manner;
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- Appreciating issues of robustness, reliability and uncertainty during the research process.
The module places moderate emphasis on:
- Communicating appropriately in written, verbal and graphical form;
- Evaluating performance as an individual;
- Solving numerical problems using computer based techniques;
- Using the Internet critically as 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.
Syllabus
1. What is Science?; main scientific paradigms; inductive/deductive reasoning
2. The research process
3. Introduction to quantitative research methods
4. Basic use of statistics for addressing research questions
5. Introduction to qualitative research methods
6. Qualitative data collection techniques; principles of analysis and reporting
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
Computer Class | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
Lecture | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
Private study hours | 118.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 32.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
Preparation of readings, data collection homework and assignments (118 hours).Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Literature review exercises; identification of stages of the research process; reflections on the research processMethods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Project | Data submission and reflective note on the data collection process (1,000 words) | 20.00 |
Essay | Individual research piece applying quantitative and qualitative methods (3,000 words) | 80.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Re-sits for this module are in the same format as for the first attempt.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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