Module Information
Module Identifier
PS21310
Module Title
Quantitative Research Methods
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 6 x 1 Hour Lectures |
| Workshop | 3 x 1 Hour Workshops |
| Practical | 5 x 2 Hour Practicals |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | quantitative practical report (2500 words) semester 2 | 60% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions - computer Exam | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | quantitative practical report (2500 words) semester 2 | 60% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions - computer Exam If students fail the module overall, failed components must be re-sat or determined as the examination board sees fit. | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of Research Method theory and how it is applied in practice
2. Demonstrate ability to apply Research methods theory in terms of writing research questions and answering them using appropriate research methods of data collection and analysis
3. Demonstrate expertise in conducting literature searches in report writing
4. Demonstrate the ability to use the statistical software SPSS to answer research questions using appropriate statistical tests
5. Demonstrate an ability to communicate research through written reports
Content
This module includes lectures, practicals and online workshops on techniques of quantitative data collection, analysis and research ethics.
• Introduction to SPSS for Windows.
• Data entry in SPSS
• Screening and checking data assumptions in SPSS
• Experimental design, t-test and one-way ANOVA
• Factorial ANOVA I – within subjects
• Factorial ANOVA II – between subjects & mixed designs
• Correlational design
• Questionnaire design and research
• Correlation/regression
• Non-parametric tests - Chi square
• Introduction to SPSS for Windows.
• Data entry in SPSS
• Screening and checking data assumptions in SPSS
• Experimental design, t-test and one-way ANOVA
• Factorial ANOVA I – within subjects
• Factorial ANOVA II – between subjects & mixed designs
• Correlational design
• Questionnaire design and research
• Correlation/regression
• Non-parametric tests - Chi square
Brochure Text
This module will provide a core of quantitative methods research training for students undertaking the BSc Social Science degree. The module will develop students' data analysis skills.
Brief description
The module aims to develop students' data analysis skills and understanding of quantitative research methods within the context of social science with particular reference to psychological investigation. Students will learn how to use advanced statistical techniques and analyse complex data sets using SPSS for Windows.
Aims
This module introduces students to the use of SPSS for Windows to prepare, manipulate, analyse and present data. It builds on the introduction to statistics and research methods provided at level 1. These key methodological skills will prove useful for the design and execution of their final year Social Science dissertation.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Application of number will be addressed throughout the module. |
| Communication | Students will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct in their aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic and to focus on the objectives of their argument or discussion. Practicals will be run in groups where oral discussion will form one component of teaching. Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The module aims to promote self-management but within a context of assistance from both the facilitator and the fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative, including searching for sources, compiling reading lists, and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their research projects. The need to meet a practical report deadline will focus students' attention on the need to manage their time. Students will be required to reflect on their learning process through the inclusion of formal non-assessed reflections to be included with all coursework. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychLit; PsychInfo). Students will be introduced to SPSS for Windows and will continue to develop their expertise in the use of Excel and Powerpoint. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Discussions in practical classes and the team work required to generate and collect data will help to develop students’ team working and negotiating skills. Students will develop a portfolio of evidence of their learning throughout the module which will include report writing and communication of ideas in various media. Students will be encouraged to identify how their developing skills can contribute to their APPR forms. Learning about the process of planning research projects, framing the parameters of the projects, honing and developing the projects and seeing through to completion will contribute towards their portfolio of transferable skills. |
| Problem solving | Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of a quantitative practical report will require that the student develops independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: identify research questions and appropriate research designs; collect and analyse data; reason logically; develop arguments to explain their findings in relation to published literature in the area. The research methods examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken. |
| Research skills | The submission of the practical report will reflect the independent research skills of the student. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills. Research preparation for practical workshop sessions will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of subject-specific skills that will help them to understand, conceptualise, evaluate and choose appropriate research methods and statistical tests. These subject specific skills include: *Assessment of scientific methods in the social sciences. *Demonstration of a familiarity with the techniques required for literature searches. *Appreciation of the nature of ethical research in the social sciences. |
| Team work | Practical classes will consist in part of small-group discussions where students will discuss the core issues related to research topics. Students will be expected to collaborate in data collection and pool data for analysis. This interaction is a central component of the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5