Core Module Information
Module title: Applied Research Design

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SSC11117
Module leader: Mandy Winterton
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module introduces key principles of designing social research at all stages, from the initial idea to the final dissemination and outputs. You will learn and practice writing the objectives, matching them to suitable methods, and aligning outputs accordingly to set goals. Having built a knowledge-base of methodological strategies, you will deploy it to increase competencies in research design via their application. For instance, the outcome of the module – a Research Proposal – will become a grounding framework for your Dissertation Project. Critical considerations of ethical underpinnings in research, alongside self-reflections on your own positionality in the complex social world of interdependencies, will feed into your work on an Ethical Approval Form to obtain ethical clearance for your project. This module forms a bedrock for developing your quantitative and qualitative research skills, on which we focus in complementary modules (Mastering Qualitative Methods, Understanding and Executing Quantitative Research). It presents strong theoretical grounding that underpins applied solutions that you will develop in due course. This methodological triptych will form an essential skillset for your future research career in either private business, public administration, third sector, academia, or arts and creative industries. The module progresses students through key theories, epistemologies and methodologies in social and political research. It is aimed at students with the existing, UG-level understanding of methodology, or with some experience of planning and executing research, or at those who need a subject refresher.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Have an advanced understanding of the complex links between theory and methodology, including benefits and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research.

LO2: Be able to address complex ethical issues emerging in social research, in line with professional bodies’ guidelines and important research council expectations (e.g. ESRC).

LO3: Be able to show complex understanding of research design principles for all stages of work (preparation, execution, dissemination), incl. ability to thoughtfully align aims and objectives to methodologies and theoretical underpinnings, matching them to suitable methods of data generation and analysis, and planning appropriate outputs.

LO4: Design your own research project, culminating in a comprehensive research proposal.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Mandy Winterton
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 36
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 24
Online Guided independent study 140
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Written 100 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 4000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC11117 Applied Research Design