Introduction

This module tackles the nature of qualitative and quantitative research as a method of inquiry in education, introducing students to the theoretical and methodological knowledge that underpins both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in education. Different types of research designs, i.e., experimental, quasi-experimental and survey designs, are presented, with the advantages and disadvantages of experimental and non-experimental research designs discussed. The process of constructing questionnaires and interview schedules will be present and illustrated with examples, while naturalistic observation will be discussed as a way of collecting qualitative data. Practical advice will be provided on literature reviews, from locating and accessing sources, to making notes, synthesising information, and writing up.

Module Aims and Outcomes

• Understanding the process of formulation of research questions and hypotheses.
• Consideration about the theoretical paradigms and methodological underpinnings that inform the development of the research design.
• Appreciation of the need to match the research questions to appropriate research methodologies.
• Justification for employing quantitative/qualitative research methods, recognising their strengths and limitations in education.
• Development of instruments for qualitative and quantitative data collection (eg, questionnaires; interview schedules, observation schedules).
• Develop research, analytical and methodological and ICT skills cognisant with the wider degree and appropriate to the discipline.

Syllabus

• The nature of qualitative and quantitative research as a method of inquiry in education - to introduce students to theoretical and methodological knowledge that underpin both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in education.
• Different types of research designs, i.e., experimental, quasi-experimental and survey designs - to present and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of experimental and non-experimental research designs, the key issues with regard to sampling, generalisability, validity and reliability, and provide examples from research studies for illustration purposes.
• The development and implementation of data collection procedures, questionnaires, interviews and observations - to present and provide examples to illustrate the process of constructing questionnaires and interview schedules. Also, naturalistic observation will be discussed as a way of collecting qualitative data.
• Case Studies and ethnography in qualitative research - to introduce students to case studies and ethnography as a way of collecting rich, contextualised data.
• To discuss the ethical and practical considerations of researching, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups with an emphasis on the voice of such groups and insider /outsider perspectives.
• To provide practical advice on the process of doing a literature review in terms of the importance of doing a lit review; locating and accessing sources; making notes and synthesising the information; and writing up.
• To discuss issues regarding the ethics and legal requirements when doing research. Specifically, issues regarding confidentiality, anonymity and informed consent will be discussed.

Study time

Type	Required
Lectures	30 sessions of 1 hour (15%)
Seminars	30 sessions of 1 hour (15%)
Private study	140 hours (70%)
Total	200 hours

Assessment

	Weighting	Study Time
4000 word assignment	60%	60 hours
Students plan, carry out and report a small-scale research study on an education-related topic of their choice.
2000 word research proposal	40%	40 hours
2000 word research proposal based upon a brief delivered by a professional from the world of education (e.g. a head teacher, policymaker, university staff member).