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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Advanced Quantitative Research Skills
Module Code ES606
School School of Education Studies
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Gerry McNamara
Semester 2: Gerry McNamara
Autumn: Gerry McNamara
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 20
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module situates quantitative research concepts, methods and tools in the context of practitioner research in Education.<br />It is taught by a combination of on-line sessions using MOODLE, related reading, intensive programmes, and laboratory sessions. These inputs focus two tasks which structure the module:<ul><li>A review of existing quantitative research of relevance to a potential research project leading to the formulation of a research question.</li><li>A pilot quantitative research project to test the research question and the authoring and submission of a related research report.</li></ul>

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify different paradigms of research inquiry consistent with quantitative research
2. Demonstrate proficiency in advanced literature searching/reviewing skills and an ability to critique such literature in terms of theoretical positions and quantitative research evidence
3. Articulate and justify a research question drawing on the literature and personal professional practice
4. Manage a quantitative research project
5. Identify and address the contextual, ethical and quality issues in the planning and carrying out of a quantitative research project
6. Select and critique the appropriate quantitative or mixed method methodology to address research questions and problems
7. Select / modify /design, pilot and use appropriate quantitative research instruments
8. Select and use appropriate analyses for quantitative research data
9. Use Excel (or equivalent) and SPSS (or equivalent) for data entry, manipulation and analysis
10. Write and submit a research report
11. Critically reflect on the contribution of quantitative methods to the process of practitioner research



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36No Description
Lecture36No Description
Laboratory10Sessions using SPSS
Laboratory10Sessions using SPSS
Moodle discussion44No Description
Moodle discussion44No Description
Assignment200Pilot research project
Assignment200Pilot research project
Assignment10Presentation of Research Results to group (including preparation)
Assignment10Presentation of Research Results to group (including preparation
Independent learning time200No Description
Independent learning time200No Description
Total Workload: 1000

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Content overview.
Teaching as a research-based profession<br />The quantitative research project and the related research report<br />Identifying existing quantitative research in a potential research area - advanced literature searching including systematic reviews, meta-analysis<br />Framing and operationalising a research question<br />Research methods – observation, survey, interviews, experimental / interventional<br />Survey design, platforms and administration<br />Sampling<br />Standardizing data collection (including using digital methods)<br />Research Ethics: concepts, requirements and tools<br />Quantitative data analysis: concepts and methods of relevance to practitioner research in education<br />Parametric and non parametric tests<br />Graphs and Tables<br />Using spreadsheets and SPSS for data entry and analysis<br />Presenting your research results (for assessment, for publication or to other practitioners).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentLiterature Review and formulation of a research question (2,500 words)40%n/a
Report (s) (written / oral)Research Report - Pilot study in an educational context using quantitative methods to explore the research question (2,500)60%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion and Keith Morrison: 0, Research methods in education, 7th, 978-0-415-36878-0
  • Professor Martyn Hammersley (Editor): 2007, Educational Research and Evidence-based Practice, Sage Publications in conjunction with the Open University, London, 978-1-4129-4562-2
  • Muijs, D.: 2011, Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS, 2nd, Sage Publications, London, 978-1-84920-324-1
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
PDPEDoctor of Education
Timetable this semester: Timetable for ES606
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