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Research Methods

EQ201
Year 2
Core Module BA Education Studies
Term 1&2
30 x 2-hour sessions
30 CATS
4000 Word Exam AND 1 x 2 Hour Exam
Not available for outside students

What is this module about?

This module tackles the nature of qualitative and quantitative research as a method of inquiry in education, introducing students to the theoretical and methodological knowledge that underpins both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in education. Different types of research designs, i.e., experimental, quasi-experimental and survey designs, are presented, with the advantages and disadvantages of experimental and non-experimental research designs discussed. The process of constructing questionnaires and interview schedules will be present and illustrated with examples, while naturalistic observation will be discussed as a way of collecting qualitative data. Practical advice will be provided on literature reviews, from locating and accessing sources, to making notes, synthesising information, and writing up.

Topics covered:

  • Key issues with regard to sampling, generalisability, validity and reliability
  • Development and implementation of data collection procedures, questionnaires, interviews and observations
  • Case studies and ethnography in qualitative research
  • Ethical and practical considerations of researching, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups
  • Ethics and legal requirements when doing research
  • Importance of literature reviews

Learning outcomes:

  • To describe and apply theoretical and methodological understandings underpinning research and key issues regarding research design
  • To develop research skills appropriate to the discipline: quantitative, qualitative and library based, written and oral communication, and textual analysis
  • To develop ICT presentational and research skills
  • To analyse and articulate key theoretical concepts relating to the process of conducting research, the nature of knowledge, and ethical and legal issues involved in researching in an education field
  • To develop research skills and methods appropriate to conducting qualitative and quantitative research
  • To synthesise, interrogate and analyse issues related to research as a method of inquiry, and appropriate this knowledge and understanding to formulating research questions and developing research designs
  • To recognise the advantages and disadvantages of certain methods for data collection and analyses     

Sample reading list:

Bell, J. (2010) Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science. Fifth Edition. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education, Open University Press.

Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods. Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Christensen, P. and James, A. (Eds.) (2008) Research with Children. Perspectives and Practices. London: Routledge.

Cohen, L., Manion, L., and Morrison, K (2011). Research Methods in Education, 7th Ed, London: RoutledgeDenscombe, M. (2010) The Good Research Guide for Small Scale Social Research Projects. 4th Edition. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education, Open University Press.

Creswell, J. (2013) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th Edition. London: Sage

Greig, A., Taylor, J. and MacKay, T. (2012) Doing Research with Children. Third Edition. London: Sage.

Harcourt, D., Perry, B. and Waller, T. (eds.) (2011) Researching Young Children's Perspectives. Debating the Ethics of Educational Research with Children.

Lewis, A. and Lindsay, G. (2000) Researching Children’s Perspectives. Buckingham, Oxford University Press.

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A. and Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010) Doing Early Childhood Research. International Perspectives on Theory and Practice. 2nd Edition. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education, Open University Press.

Muijs, D (2004). Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS. London: Sage.

Punch, K. (2009) Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London: Sage

Roberts-Holmes, G. (2011) Doing Your Early Years Research Project. A Step-by-Step Guide. 2nd Edition. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education, Open University Press.

Robson, C. (2011) Real World Research. A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers. Third Edition. Oxford: Blackwell.

Scott, D., and Usher, R. (1996). Understanding Educational Research, London: Routledge