Overview

The module will cover a range of topics that include general issues such as managing research across the research process. Topics therefore include issues such as accessing key literature and keeping a track of research sources, how to work with data including merging and linking datasets as well as dealing with missing data or other data problems. The module will provide an introduction to different software that can be used by researchers for keeping track of literature or undertaking statistical analysis. Finally students will gain a wider appreciation of the careers open to researchers, the potential of secondary data for research and the importance of impact and wider dissemination of research to those outside of academia.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Satisfactory standard (C- to C+):No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills.Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work’s objectives.

-good -Average Standard (B- to B):Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed.Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements.Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.High Standard (B to B+):Very good performanceMost of the relevant information accurately deployed.Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements.Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work'sobjectives.Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-excellent -Excellent standard (A- to A*):An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Access secondary data (qualitative and quantitative) from existing sources, including an awareness of the availability of secondary data via the UK Data Service.

• Acquire capabilities for managing research, including data management (e.g. merging and linking datasets); conducting and disseminating research; and utilisation of relevant software available to facilitate effective research.

• Appreciate the range of careers available to researchers.

• Demonstrate an appreciation of impact including the engagement of users and co-producers in the production of knowledge.

• Demonstrate effective use of library resources including bibliographic databases.

• Prepare data for analysis including data checking, data cleaning, dealing with missing data and extreme observations (outliers).