Overview

The module focuses on: • research skills, dissertation writing skills, and choosing the right methodology for the students' research field;
• principal modes of data collection, including interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. • examples from the lecturer’s own research and from other work within the School including the experiences of doctoral and post doctoral researchers. • philosophic bases of research, discussing and explaining the nature of a dissertation and identifying and selecting an area of study; • main concepts involved in forming the questions to be studied and making a hypothesis.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(C) A satisfactory knowledge and understanding of ethical issues regarding researching with children, the ability to select methodology and be able to design and present a plan for a research project.

-good -(B) A good knowledge and understanding of ethical issues regarding researching with children, the ability to select appropriate methodology and be able to design and present a robust plan for a research project.

-excellent - (A) A comprehensive knowledge and in depth understanding of ethical issues regarding researching with children, the ability to select appropriate methodology from a range of sources, and be able to design and present a polished and comprehensive plan for a research project.

Learning Outcomes

• Confidently and competently present prepared and impromptu speeches

• critically discuss academic, peer-reviewed literature that is relevant to the research topic

• critically discuss the different methods of research, and be able to reflect critically on their limitations and advantages in relation to a range of contexts

• demonstrate critical understanding of the range of ethical considerations of undertaking research with children and young people and be able to evaluate the various methods

• demonstrate critical understanding of the content of a good research report

• evaluate key theories and debates in research methodology, including the significance of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, and understand how they relate to researching with children and young people

• formulate a research proposal, including selecting appropriate research methods, on a topic relating to children and young people