Postgraduate Course: Research Process (REDU11011)
Course Outline
| School | Moray House School of Education |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | During this course students will develop a critical understanding of the processes involved in developing a research project in their discipline area. Students will consider the processes involved in formulating appropriate research questions and identifying a methodologically rigorous design and approach to collecting information. Students will also develop an appreciation of the responsibilities associated with professional and ethical conduct in work of this nature and the conventions and recommendations that guide the presentation of scientific work. This course is taught by staff who are currently research active within the research groups of 1) Physical Activity for Health and/or 2) Human Performance Science in the Institute of Sport, PE and Health Sciences. |
| Course description |
Taught by research active staff, this course will consider the processes required to formulate and manage a research project. Specifically, the course will examine the process of identifying clear and precise research questions that are informed by contemporary literature and/or applied issues. The course will consider the process of developing appropriate methodological approaches to address the formulated research questions, through consideration of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, and practical and feasibility issues. Throughout the course ethical and professional issues relevant to undertaking and managing research responsibly will be considered. Students will also develop an appreciation of the conventions and recommendations that guide the presentation of scientific work. Many students undertaking this course will use it as preparation for the MSc dissertation. Some students will not proceed to a dissertation, but through this course will gain an appreciation and understanding of the research process in their discipline.
It is likely that the course will include sessions on:
Deciding upon and refining a research question
Feasibility and practical issues in undertaking and research
Quantitative research and data issues
Qualitative research and data issues
Research ethics and professional conduct
Students will be encouraged to actively participate in interactive lectures and activities. Students will be required to engage in independent study to further engage with the material and prepare for the assignment. The assignment will further facilitate consideration of the lecture material and how it relates to the individual proposed research project.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Block 4 (Sem 2) |
| Course Start Date |
26/02/2018 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 5,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 5,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
88 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Total mark for the course will be from one piece of coursework:
1 x 2500 word research proposal and timeline for an academic project or professionally relevant work study (+ethics application, risk assessment).
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| Feedback |
Students will have access to summary cohort feedback on the assignment provided to the previous year's students. Students will also have the opportunity to receive individual formative feedback on initial research ideas and research questions from a member of staff on their programme. Detailed individual feedback will be provided to the students following the submission of their assignment. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and refine a topic of enquiry suitable for a research project and justify its theoretical significance showing effective use of relevant literature and other scholarly evidence, professional relevance and practical feasibility.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods in order to plan a significant research project that adheres to professional and ethical standards
- Communicate the research plans observing appropriate academic guidelines
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Reading List
Lynch, C. (2011). Doing your research project in sport. Exeter: Learning Matters.
Specific readings from various journals including Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Journal of Strength and Conditioning |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
During this course students will have the opportunity to practice and develop their ability to:
1) Search for, access, critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant literature and information in order to develop their knowledge and understanding relating to their discipline;
2) Identify and define problems relating to their discipline, and plan a substantial research project incorporating appropriate research methods to address these problems
3) Identify and evaluate typical research methods employed with their discipline
4) Be able to exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in academic activities, including decision making on the basis of independent thought
5) Be able to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements within their discipline
6) Be able to identify and manage risks appropriately
7) Effectively communicate research plans using appropriate methods
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| Additional Class Delivery Information |
5X2 hour interactive lectures
Individual tutorials with programme staff, as required |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ailsa Niven
Tel: (0131 6)51 6679
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Cristina Roman
Tel: (0131 6)51 6265
Email: |
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