Unit information: Research Design and Data Collection in Education in 2014/15

Unit name	Research Design and Data Collection in Education
Unit code	EDUCM5505
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Barwell
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The unit focuses on principles of research design, particularly the link between theory, methodology and selection of methods of data collection. Participants will apply these principles to plans for research of their own, such as for their dissertation study. This unit explores the links between theory, methodology and the selection and use of methods of data collection in educational research. Different research design strategies are discussed, such as experimental research or ethnographic research. Key issues to be addressed include the role of research questions and the role of theoretical frames in designing data collection. Participants will relate these ideas to the development of their research, such as the design of their dissertation study.

Aims:

• To explore the main features of a range of common research strategies.

• To explore principles of research design in education, including the role of theoretical frames in selecting methods and conducting data collection.

• To provide an opportunity for participants to apply principles of research design, including ethical issues, to their own research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After taking this unit, the student should demonstrate:

• a range of research strategies, including common methods used;

• knowledge of key principles of research design, including ethical issues, in the context of examples of recent research in education and related fields;

• ability to apply principles of research design, and the selection of methods of data collection to a research project of their own, supporting the development of a dissertation study where appropriate.

Teaching Information

The unit includes practical activities, reading tasks, discussion and opportunities to relate course material to participants’ own research ideas.

The needs of a wide range of students, including those with disabilities, international students and those from ethnic minority backgrounds have been considered. It is not anticipated that the teaching and assessment methods used will cause disadvantage to any person taking the unit. The Graduate School of Education is happy to address individual support requests as necessary.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment tasks include the development of draft research questions and the preparation of a research poster and a short piece of writing outlining a proposed research design.

Summative assessment tasks consist of a 3000 word proposal for a piece of research that incorporates the principles of research design discussed in the unit (80%) plus the research poster (20%).

Reading and References

Brown, A and Dowling, P (1998) Doing Research/Reading Research: a Mode of Interrogation for Education. London: Falmer.

Clough, P and Nutbrown, C (2002) A Student’s Guide to Methodology. London: Sage.

Punch. K. (2005, 2nd edn.) Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London: Sage.

Sapsford, R. and Jupp, V. (Eds.) (1996) Data Collection and Analysis. London: Sage.

Seale, C. (Ed.) (2004) Social research methods: a reader. London: Routledge. British Educational Research Journal.