Research methods (MSc in E-learning) (P01549)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-P01549

This course will give students the framework and contextual knowledge they need in order to plan, design and execute a programme of independent research for the dissertation element of the MSc in E-learning. The course will enable students to formulate a research question and an outline project plan. It will give them key skills in research design and enable them to position their own programme of research within the broader context of social science enquiry. It will introduce them to data collection and analysis and to key methods for analysing both quantitative data and qualitative research texts.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : An introduction to digital environments for learning (P01038)

? Costs : Students will be required to have regular access to a networked computer, and will be responsible for providing their own computing equipment and consumables. Broadband is recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Research (EDU), (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Additional Class Information : The course will be delivered flexibly and online.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course students will be able to:

demonstrate an awareness of the key epistemological issues in social science research

identify appropriate research questions and how they might be addressed by particular methodological approaches

locate and critically evaluate relevant literature

engage with a range of data collection methods

have a critical awareness of issues relating to research reliability and validity, and ethical considerations

demonstrate specialist skills in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data

effectively plan a programme of research

demonstrate an awareness of academic conventions in the presentation of research

Assessment Information

Part 1 (20%): Participants will work with an existing set of either qualitative or quantitative data, chosen from a range of possible sets. They will perform some simple analysis and/or interpretation directed towards answering a series of questions posed about the data. Results of the analysis will be written up as a brief report. Submission at the end of week 9. (1000 words)

Part 2 (30%): A short critical review of a piece of published research. The review will be submitted at the end of the course. (1000 words)

Part 3 (50%): Presentation of a research proposal for the dissertation, including the research question to be addressed, critical discussion of the methodology to be used, and an outline of how data will be collected and analysed (if relevant). The proposal will also include a provisional project plan outlining key milestones and timescales for the various stages of the project. (2000 words)