Introductory description

This is a core research methods modules for several of our MA programmes. It helps prepare students to undertake the independent research dissertation.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will introduce students to a broad range of research methods in the field of education, including a range of research philosophies, purposes, designs, and methods. The module starts by looking at different purposes of research, and how these shape research questions. This is followed by an introduction to the theory and practice of searching and reviewing literature in education. The central section of the module will look at research philosophy, methodology and design, exploring a range of worldviews and approaches, including from arts-, science- and practice-based research traditions. The middle and later stages of the module support students to understand how research is designed and planned. This includes consideration of ethics, data collection, and numeric and non-numeric analysis.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• a) Understand a range of education research philosophies, purposes, designs, and methods
• b) Identify theoretical and methodological grounds on which education research is based
• c) Evaluate the efficacy and quality of education research design and methods from a variety of perspectives
• d) Critically read research papers, monographs and texts in chosen areas of study
• e ) Design feasible and valuable educational research through applying knowledge and critical understanding of education research methods

Indicative reading list

Coe, R., Waring, M., Hedges, L. V., & Ashley, L. D. (Eds.). (2021). Research methods and methodologies in education. Sage.
Hammond, M., & Wellington, J. (2019). Education research: The basics. Routledge.
Punch, K. F., & Oancea, A. (2014). Introduction to research methods in education. Sage.
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research: a resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Wiley.
Wyse, D., Selwyn, N., Smith, E., & Suter, L. E. (Eds.). (2016). The BERA/SAGE handbook of educational research. Sage.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The poster presentation assignment is to present a research proposal, thereby undertaking the first stage of a research project.
Other research tasks will be included in the module learning to develop research literacy.

Interdisciplinary

The module focus is on social and educational research. This draws on a range of disicplines across the field of education and methodologies and methods used within them.

International

Many of the students who take this module are interested in undertaking research in the international context and so will need to consider the opportunities and challenges that this approach may present.

Subject specific skills

Students should demonstrate a understanding of the following skills

• the need to reflect upon the ethics of undertaking research in an education context
• the ability to generate and explore hypotheses and research questions relating to education research
• an understanding of how to carry out empirical studies effectively and ethically involving a variety of methods of data collection
• an understanding of how to analyse data and present and evaluate research findings

Transferable skills

• Basic numeracy skills
• Communication skills
• Confidence
• Critical thinking
• Intellectual ability
• Interpersonal and communication
• Problem solving
• Technical skills
• Using IT effectively