This module is intended to prepare year 2 students for undertaking a dissertation in the areas of childhood and education studies in year 3. The module will introduce students to key theoretical and conceptual issues in research, (e.g. ethical issues, bias, building explanations and causality). It will provide an introduction to research design, considering both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the investigation of children's lives and learning. The research procedures explored will include observational techniques, interviewing adults and children, the use of questionnaires and personal narratives/life stories. An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistics in social science research will be provided. Students will be given opportunities to address specific research questions and, develop a research design individually and as part of a group, and to develop a proposal for a small-scale research project to be the basis for their year 3 dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the research process from the identification of a question and research design to the presentation of research findings;
Demonstrate an understanding of social science and educational research procedures;
Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical issues involved in researching childhood;
Understand how to use and interpret simple statistical data; Engage in critical thinking about research questions and research design;
Interpret data about children's lives and learning, demonstrating an understanding of the implications and indications for further research.
Assessment
20579-01 : Research Proposal, 4000 words : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 4000-word Research Proposal (100%)
Reassessment: Resubmission of the failed component where the overall module mark is less than the pass mark.
