Module Information
Module Identifier
ED20320
Module Title
Research Methods
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Assignment 2 Statement of methodology for students' third-year dissertation 2000 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Assignment 1 Topic outline and literature review on a subject of the student's choice which will form the basis of their third-year dissertation 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Assignment 2 A different statement of methodology for students' third-year dissertation. All failed elements of the assessments must be retaken. 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Assignment 1 New assignment titles and examination paper will be issued. Word topic outline and literature review on a subject of the student's choice which will form the basis of their third-year dissertation. All failed elements of the assessments must be retaken. 2000 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate a range of research designs and their appropriateness for different research contexts associated with educational research.
Critically evaluate different types of research design, including their strengths, limitations, and application in educational research.
Conduct a critical review of relevant literature within their chosen research area, identifying key themes and opportunities for further research.
Develop a coherent research methodology for a small-scale project, including a discussion of potential ethical issues and strategies to address them.
Demonstrate critical engagement with source material, integrating theoretical concepts with practical research considerations.
Brief description
This module introduces students to core research methods used in educational research and focuses on equipping them with the foundational skills needed to design and conduct their own small-scale research projects.
The module focuses on preparing students for the practical application of research and on enabling students to: critically engage with literature; identify a research topic; formulate research questions; reflect on methodological issues; and engage with key ethical considerations.
By the end of the module, students will be able to confidently answer:
What are the key research methods used in educational research, and what are their strengths and limitations?
How do I choose an appropriate research topic?
How do I design and plan a small-scale research project, from developing research questions to choosing methods?
How can I effectively collect, and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data?
What ethical considerations are essential when conducting educational research?
The module focuses on preparing students for the practical application of research and on enabling students to: critically engage with literature; identify a research topic; formulate research questions; reflect on methodological issues; and engage with key ethical considerations.
By the end of the module, students will be able to confidently answer:
What are the key research methods used in educational research, and what are their strengths and limitations?
How do I choose an appropriate research topic?
How do I design and plan a small-scale research project, from developing research questions to choosing methods?
How can I effectively collect, and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data?
What ethical considerations are essential when conducting educational research?
Content
A range of themes will be considered in the lectures and seminars for this module, including:
Introduction to Research in Education
Critical Reading and Formulating Research Questions
Structuring a Literature Review
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Research Design and Methodology Planning
Research Ethics and Navigating Ethical Challenges
Research Ethics and Methods with Children
Structuring a Methodological Statement and Formulating a Dissertation Proposal
Working with Data and Forward Thinking
Introduction to Research in Education
Critical Reading and Formulating Research Questions
Structuring a Literature Review
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Research Design and Methodology Planning
Research Ethics and Navigating Ethical Challenges
Research Ethics and Methods with Children
Structuring a Methodological Statement and Formulating a Dissertation Proposal
Working with Data and Forward Thinking
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will critically evaluate statistical reports to support their appreciation of quantitative techniques. Students will also explore how to interpret and present quantitative information. |
| Communication | Effective written communication will be developed through written assessments, including the literature review and methodological statement. Oral communication skills will be practiced through seminar and workshop activities. |
| Creative Problem Solving | Problem-solving is embedded in the research process, from formulating research questions to overcoming challenges in identifying key literature, formulating the most compelling data collection methods, reflecting on ethical issues, and in relation to analysis, and interpretation. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will reflect on feedback from their written assignments and apply personal reflection during sessions. Independent planning and time management will be key as students manage their assignments and plan for their research projects . |
| Information Technology | All written work will be word-processed. Skills in online literature searches and managing digital resources will be developed. Students will also be introduced to data analysis software. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module provides practical experience in research, fostering time management, self-discipline, and self-reflection. Undertaking preparation for a small-scale research project also prepares students for potential postgraduate study or professional educational roles which increasingly require research skills. |
| Research skills | The module focuses on core research skills, guiding students through planning, conducting, and writing up a small-scale research project. Emphasis will be placed on understanding ethical considerations, data collection methods, and research design. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students will engage with methodological concepts and theories relevant to educational research. The ability to critically assess research literature and apply appropriate methods will be developed throughout the module. |
| Team work | While much of the work on developing research projects will be conducted individually, teamwork will feature in workshop sessions and peer-review activities. Collaborative learning will help students refine their research ideas and approaches. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5