Unit name | Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (GSoE) |
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Unit code | EDUCM0003 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Browne |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit introduces the most commonly used statistical procedures used in educational research. No previous experience of statistics is required.
The unit aims:
Students will be able to demonstrate that they can:
Lectures, computer practicals using SPSS software, critical reading and discussion of published quantitative articles
Contact Hours Per Week
20 hours
Formative assessment:
Regular worksheets will be provided in which students attempt a statistical analysis task. Annotated answers to the original worksheet will then be provided for students, allowing them to check their progress.
Summative assessment:
Part 1 (50%). Students will be provided with a selection of prepared datasets and/or statistical outputs. In a structured assignment with a number of sections, students will be required to identify the appropriate method for statistical analysis for a given research question and dataset, conduct that analysis in an appropriate software package, select the relevant parts of the statistical output, present them effectively, and interpret the findings (2,000 words).
Part 2 (50%). A critical essay evaluating a piece of published quantitative research in social science (2,000 words).