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 development of tools, collection and processing of data, and obtaining results via statistical packages.

Class-based activities will include weekly quizzes to test your knowledge as the semester progresses. You will produce a project report that applies your class-based knowledge to a real based research project. 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: interactive lectures and seminars with regular opportunities for question and answer sessions and tutorials. 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 via email and Teams.

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 develop a research project, from conception, to development of tools and application of these.
2. Understand and learn how to use and apply social statistics to a specific research project.
3. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of quantitative research.

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

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, flexibility and openness of ideas when analysing a specific topic.

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 group questionnaire on a topic indicated in the first week of the module 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 the statistical data collected in the course of the semester, using appropriate software packages and report on their findings. This is worth 50% of the overall module mark.


All skills required for the first three summative assessments will be developed through formative activities in lab sessions. Attendance to these is compulsory.

Feedback on Assessments will be provided within the University 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 quantitative data research methods and basic statistical analysis. Throughout the module, you will apply classroom knowledge to a real world research project to collect, create, process and analyse quantitative data. This will be accomplished through lecture material, practice quizzes, lab sessions, where we learn hands-on how to use the software package SPSS as well. Throughout the module you will be taught by research active staff who are trained in quantitative research methods and will share real life challenges and pitfalls of conducting quantitative analyses.