Research Methods
The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of relevant theory and practice in relation to:Rationale for use of qualitative or quantitative data in researching education. Underlying methodological assumptions underpinning choice of method: positivism, ethnography, post-modernism and critical realism;Integrity in educational research: making assumptions explicit, acknowledging sources of bias, caution in interpretation of data, triangulation;Quantitative methods including questionnaire design, descriptive statistics, sample size and composition, regression, residuals, statistical significance, confidence intervals and effect sizes. Application of these methods in the study of educational effectiveness, target setting and management practice;Qualitative methods including interview format, document analysis, participant observation, systematic analysis of qualitative data. Application of these methods in the context of education andEthical issues in the context of education: preserving anonymity, obtaining permission, checking authenticity of data etc.
Module code: EDUC60603