| Unit name | Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (GSoE) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0003 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gruijters |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important
In order to be a researcher in education, and the social sciences in general, it is important for students to have knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This unit introduces the most commonly used statistical procedures used in quantitative educational research. No previous experience of statistics is required.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit introduces students to quantitative research and works in balance with its sister unit, Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (EDUCM0004). This gives the students a broad grounding in research methods. Both Introduction to Qualitative Methods (EDUCM0004) and Introduction to Quantitative methods (EDUCM0003) are part of a four-unit sequence that develops students’ core skills (EDUCM5501) and deeper understanding of educational research as a whole (EDUCM5502), as well as the philosophical underpinnings of their work (EDUCM0005). This ensures a strong foundation in the principles and practices of educational research. It is also a precursor to an advanced qualitative methods unit (EDUCM0053), allowing for the deeper developing of students’ skills and understanding.
An overview of content
This unit introduces the most commonly used statistical procedures used in educational research. This includes methods of descriptive statistics in educational research and commonly used procedures for comparing groups and measuring association (independent and paired samples t-tests, non-parametric tests of difference, correlation coefficients and chi-square tests) The unit introduces procedures for selecting the most appropriate technique in relation to the research questions and data collected.
Having taken the unit students will be able to select from the statistical methods covered in the unit and justify their use in a given situation. They will be able to generate descriptive statistics and conduct statistical tests in SPSS, and appropriately report and interpret the output. They will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of aspects of the quantitative research approaches used in the social sciences
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate that they can:
This unit will be taught using a mixture of activities including lectures, computer practicals using SPSS software, and critical reading and discussion of published quantitative articles
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Regular worksheets will be provided in which students attempt a statistical analysis task. Annotated answers to the original worksheet will then be provided for students, allowing them to check their progress.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Statistics Data Report (100%). Students will be provided with a selection of prepared datasets and/or statistical outputs. (2,500 words). ILOs 1-3
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis. Students will resubmit a revised version of the original work.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUCM0003).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
