| Unit name | Quantitative Methods: Design and Analysis |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0077 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Phil Sayer |
| 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 for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides you with an inclusive, accessible and concept-focused foundation in principles of quantitative research design and data analysis. You will develop the ability to understand and assess quantitative research literature, to produce a quantitative research proposal for original research, and to gain a solid foundation in data analysis using specialist software. The first half of the unit considers common study design types (experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal) and key methodological approaches to sampling, data collection and research ethics. The second half of the unit develops data analysis skills, through practical tasks involving analysis of real datasets that are relevant to policy research. By the end of the unit, you will be able to produce a research proposal for a quantitative project relating to your topic interests, and conduct simple data analysis and dataset management across a broad range of data types. It serves as both an introduction to those who are new to the topic and a comprehensive foundation for those who wish to go on to study Further Quantitative Methods.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This is one of the mandatory units in teaching block 1. It ensures that you develop an understanding of quantitative research methods, whilst providing key theoretical and practical knowledge of data analysis if you intend to develop your research interests in this area. Understanding developed in this unit is of critical importance in providing the foundation required to study Further Quantitative Methods, and in providing you with key dissertation skills of assessing existing quantitative research literature, designing quantitative project and fundamentals of data analysis.
An overview of content
This unit develops your ability to understand and assess quantitative research literature, to produce a quantitative research proposal for original research, and to gain a solid foundation in data analysis using specialist software. The first half of the unit considers common study design types (experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal) and key methodological approaches to sampling, data collection and research ethics. The second half of the unit develops data analysis skills, through practical tasks involving analysis of real datasets that are relevant to policy research. By the end of the unit, you will be able to produce a research proposal for a quantitative project relating to their topic interests, and conduct simple data analysis and dataset management across a broad range of data types. It serves as both an introduction to those who are new to the topic and a comprehensive foundation for those who wish to go on to study Further Quantitative Methods.
How will students be different as a result of the unit
Students who have not previously studied quantitative research methods will develop an understanding of the logic of quantitative research and a new set of skills in research design and data analysis that are essential for engaging with existing literature and provide a sought after skillset amongst social science graduates.
Students who are interested in developing advanced knowledge of quantitative research methods during their degree will receive a solid foundation in principles of research design and data analysis, with multiple opportunities to extend their learning through additional readings and seminar tasks. This will support further study in Further Quantitative Methods.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:
The unit will be delivered through a combination of lectures, group discussion and workbook exercises. This style of delivery supports students to learn research design principles through group discussion and application of critical thought to key readings. In the data analysis section, workbooks will provide a mixture of closely guided tasks and independent problem solving. This combination enables theory to be put into practice and less confident students to learn with guidance whilst more confident students can tackle tasks independently.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
You will be supported in your summative assessment by a formative group presentation (10 mins) – Presenting a simple data analysis project and a 500 word outline plan for summative assessments
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Research Proposal (2,250 words maximum, 75%)
This assessment covers learning outcomes 1,2 and 4.
Data Analysis Report (1,250 words maximum 25%)
This assessment covers learning outcomes 3&4.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, you may be offered an opportunity for reassessment. This will comprise a task of the same format as the original assessment.
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. SPOLM0077).
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.
