ICE7083 - Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Critically examine research literature and scholarship in the substantive field in order to situate a planned research approach in relation to the existing field of enquiry

2 - Critically evaluate methodological, ethical and practical issues involved in addressing a particular research idea

3 - Critically examine ethical issues involved in research related to the programme

4 - Formulate and justify a research proposal for undertaking a specific piece of social research related to the programme

Content:

• Identifying and developing a focus for research;
• Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, and mixed methods approaches in social research as appropriate;
• Approaches to the analysis of data such as phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches, and descriptive statistics;
• The principles of ethical inquiry in social contexts and applying for ethical clearance;
• Formulating and justifying an approach for pursuing enquiry that takes account of different epistemological and methodological traditions of research.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning on this module will develop skills and confidence in independent study by creating a strong and individual network of support through lectures, seminars and tutorials. A negotiated, collaborative approach to learning and authentic assessment where students can engage deep learning across a range of home and global contexts. Students will be expected to undertake a wide range of reading to enhance their engagement in a varied menu of discussions and debates, all of which will contribute to rolling self, peer and tutor assessment. Much of the reading will be self-sourced with starter readings provided through Moodle. Students will be will be encouraged to share research and the use of internal and external speakers and researchers will provide additional research knowledge and authentic practice evidence.

Teaching and learning will be experienced within an equitable framework to foster individual growth and active participation from all learners.

Lectures and Seminars
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Tutorials (including formative assessment)
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: 5-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 260

Further Details Relating to Assessment

The contents of the research portfolio are negotiated – it would typically include:

- Review of a journal article / other research
- Analysis of research methodologies and ethical issues
- Outline research proposal
- Overview summary of relevant literature

However, it could also include other material relevant to the Learning Outcomes (negotiated and agreed between students and module lead). Some students may opt to include an A1 Research Poster as an alternative to a written research proposal or it could be a live presentation of the main components of the proposed research.

Formative assessment will be built into the weekly schedule with students having opportunities for formative feedback on each element of their portfolio – this could be a blend of tutor and peer feedback.

Assessment:

001 Research proposal portfolio; 6,000 wordsl end of term 1 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Jeffrey Potter
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7T1

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