CR4012 - Real World Research 1

You will learn through a range of interactive lectures in which we will explore key methods, processes and challenges associated with the collection and analysis of quantitative data. In seminars, we will put into practice this learning through the statistical analysis of real-world data.

Class-based activities will include weekly quizzes to test your knowledge as the semester progresses. You will produce a final project that applies your class-based knowledge to a real-world dataset. The summative assessment tasks will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of statistical concepts and demonstrate those concepts through practical skills you have developed in the module seminars.

You will be supported throughout this module by dedicated module tutors who you will engage with through: interactive lectures and seminars with regular opportunities for question and answer sessions. Sessions involving lab work with statistical software packages will involve tutors guiding you about the software, how it works and how it is used by social scientists. You will be able to access one-to-one tutorials with the module team through the weekly 'office hours and feedback' sign up process and via email and telephone.

If you have any further or specific learning needs, then do discuss them with the module leader at the start of the semester.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand and learn how to use and apply quantitative research methods in social sciences.
2. Understand and learn how to use and apply social statistics in social sciences.
3. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of quantitative research.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Learn and practice how to conduct a quantitative social science research project and learn how to write for both academic and lay audiences.

The module has three summative assessments:

Assessment 1 will be a multiple-choice quiz composed of approximately 50 questions to be completed during the semester and worth 25% of the overall mark.

Assessment 2 will be a multiple-choice quiz composed of approximately 50 questions to be completed during the semester and worth 25% of the overall mark.

Assessment 3 will be the completion of a 2,000 word individual report that requires students to analyse statistical data, using appropriate statistics and report on their findings. This is worth 50% of the overall module mark.

The skills required for the first two summative assessments will be developed in classroom lectures. The skills required for the third summative assessment will be practiced in formative assessment tasks in seminars.

Feedback on Assessments 1 and 2 will be will be provided within two weeks of the completion of the exam. Feedback on Assessment 3 will occur within the required timescales. All students will be given an indication of how their work could be improved and additional generic feedback will be provided via blackboard, with reference to model answers.

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This module is part of a suite of real-world research modules designed to develop your social science research skills. This particular module provides you with an introduction to survey research and basic statistical analysis. Throughout the module you will apply classroom knowledge to real world social science datasets. This will be accomplished through lecture material, practice quizzes, exams and the statistical manipulation of real social science data in a seminar setting. Throughout the module you will be taught by research active staff who are trained in statistical methods and will share real life challenges and pitfalls of conducting quantitative analyses.