Module 4 - Research Methods

Aims and Learning Outcomes

This module will equip students with the requisite knowledge to be research literate and capable of carrying out research required for their dissertation. The module is studied face-to-face and is a core module for the Postgraduate Diploma in Life Planning.

The aims of the module are:

to outline the range of research methods used for studying people in social situations, focusing particularly on survey methods
to illustrate these methods with relevant examples of research drawn from substantive areas of interest to the students, e.g. relating to ageing, health, early retirement and the provision of informal care
to enable the students to identify research skills in data collection and data processing.

Programme of Study / Course Content

Introduction and overview of the unit including Assessment
Annotation of reading
Basic research concepts
Basic types of research
Types of Research Methods, e.g. Comparative studies, Historical analysis, Action research and Theory development
Resources and how to use them
Sampling, use of controls
Designing research instruments and scales
Preparing an Outline Research Proposal
Developing the Assessment Assignment: Detailed research proposal at M level
Review criteria for the MSc Dissertation