Module Identifier | RS25720 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Module Title | RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academic Year | 2004/2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Co-ordinator | Dr Malcolm H Leitch | ||||||||||||||||||||
Semester | Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other staff | Professor William Haresign | ||||||||||||||||||||
Course delivery | Lecture | 36 Hours 18 x 2 hour combined lectures/practical sessions on data analysis | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 14 Hours 3 x 2 hour workshops in Research Methodologies; 4 x 2 hour workshops in Data Analysis | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lecture | 10 Hours 10 x 1 hour lectures on Research Methodologies | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assessment |
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1. Produce a fully documented review of a body of scientific/scocial science literature and draw logical conclusions
2. Discuss the differences in experimental approach between quantitative and qualitative research
3. Propose an appropriate experimental hypothesis for subsequent testing
4. Design an appropriate experimental approach for testing an experimental hypothesis
5. Identify appropriate methods of analysis for different types of data
6. Analyse data using a range of statistical methods
7. Interpret experimental data and draw suitable conclusions based on the results of the data analysis
In addition, the module includes the theory and practice of a range of statistical methodologies. These include probability, a description of the normal distribution and parametric tests based on samples drawn from normally distributed populations including t-tests, one way and multi way ANOVA and correlation and regression analysis. Non-parametric methods will include chi-square analysis of frequencies, contingency tables, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank correlation. This component of the course is taught through a series of two-hour lecture/practical sessions consisting of an introductory lecture followed by practical examples to work through.
.2 IT and information handling
Students will be required to use IT-based literature searches for the production of their research plan and to produce their assignment in word processed format.
.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Data analysis using a range of statistical methods represents a major component of the module and will be assessed by means of open book examination.
.4 Writing in an academic context
The Literature Review part of the research plan will require students to write in an academic context appropriate to their chosen area of research, as well as to demonstrate an ability to interpret rather than simply reporting existing literature.
.6 Careers need awareness
The skills obtained from this module will be transferable to many real world situations that are likely to confront students in their subsequent careers
.7 Self-management
The production of the research plan will require students to work to specified deadlines, but they will be responsible for organizing their own time management to meet those deadlines
This module is at CQFW Level 5