PP7007 - Research Methods, Approaches and Skills

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides the underpinning skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research in Childhood and Early Years Studies at Level 7. It will give you the opportunity to develop practical and theoretical skills in the use and understanding of different research paradigms, methodological approaches and their associated research methods. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of related issues, including but not restricted to, research ethics, data management and analysis, the use conceptual frameworks and how to engage critically with the literature.

This will provide you with a framework to critique and question research, policy and practice and their impact on children and young people. Drawing on this, you will be able to develop a research proposal which addresses contemporary issues in Childhood and Early Years Studies, drawing on relevant research literature in order to analyse and justify your methodological approach. You will also be supported to explore subject based literature in order to support your identification and exploration of a research question.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learning through lectures, seminars and group work and independent learning as you are supported to become an independent researcher. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to participate in a series of guided tasks and discussions. The module specific VLE will provide additional learning support and enable communication between students and staff, and you will be enabled to use a wide range of electronic sources in order to access the most current literature in Childhood and Early Years Studies. You will also be encouraged to engage with current thinking in this field through the critical evaluation of relevant research papers that will then be further explored within seminars. Indeed, this ‘research rich’ learning approach will enable you to build upon previous higher education and/or practice experiences.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic support for this module is provided by the module team. The module team will ensure that you receive clear guidance about the module learning outcomes and how you will be assessed against these. Group tutorial time will be identified during the module. Students requiring additional support and tutorials can arrange to meet, e-mail or telephone the module leader outside of module sessions. The University’s VLE will offer remote access to materials and aids for support and learning and, in addition, tutors will respond to questions via the modules’ discussion board on the University’s VLE so that the whole group can benefit. Support will also include feedback from tutors during seminars.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. You will have a critical understanding of the theory and practice of research in Childhood and Early Years Studies .

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities
MLO2. You will critically appraise research literature and use it to develop research question.
MLO3. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of research design. appropriate to addressing identified issues.
MLO4. You will critically appraise and justify the choice of an appropriate research methodology and methods.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5. You will critically and reflexively explore ethical issues and strategies for their management.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Individual and small group work including presentations on aspects of research practice which will include tutor and peer verbal feedback

Feedback
Feedback will be given verbally by tutor and peers.

Summative Assessment:
You are required to develop a research proposal for a study which addresses an identified research question. This proposal will be located in the context of contemporary academic literature, address methodological and ethical issues, and demonstrate skills of independence and originality in considering the most appropriate approach to take. (4500 words)

Feedback
Feedback will be written and graded using the criteria and the elaborated marking scale.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

In the context of a rapidly changing research policy and practice environment the need for rigorous ethical research is essential. Indeed, the aim of this module is to facilitate you to develop the knowledge necessary to investigate and respond to key issues and research questions in Childhood and Early Years Studies.

Drawing on the team’s research, this module will guide you through the stages of research design enhancing your ability to conceptualise and critically understand the processes associated with undertaking an independent research proposal. We will use taught sessions and the VLE to discuss and critically appraise research design and methodology. There will be opportunities to gain tutor and peer feedback on your draft proposal. This research proposal will develop research and analytical skills which provide the foundation for your independent dissertation and enhance employability and career development in the field of Childhood and Early Years.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year full time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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