Module Details

Module Code: SKLS C3704
Module Title: Research Skills
Title: Research Skills
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Janette Davies
Module Author:: Stephen Whelan
Domains:  
Module Description: To provide learners with the competence, knowledge and skills to plan, design, formulate and manage an agricultural research project.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply the means, competences, and techniques of the Research Process to an ethical standard to conduct an agri-business research project
LO2 Develop an applied scientific agricultural research proposal
LO3 Demonstrate a knowledge of data analysis and interpretation, and statistical testing using SPSS software
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to the Research Process
• The Research Process: The importance of research within the farming and agri- business context; Research terminology, Research industry, Ethics, Technology for agricultural improvement.
Research Design
• Types of research design. Steps in the research design process. Potential errors, Research objectives
Data Types, Secondary Data
• Purposes, sources of secondary data
Experiments
• The concept of experiments. Types of experiments, Experimental validity. Types and tools.
Qualitative Research
• Observation and other qualitative methods • Survey data collection methods and the Survey Instrument • Data collection modes, Factors determining same, Errors, Wording Of Questionnaires, Structuring, Sequencing, Error minimization.
Measurement
• General concepts, Measurement scales, Attitude measurement, • Rating and ranking scales, Reliability and validity of measurements.
Report Writing and Presentation
• How to write a research report, Format and content, Presentation of results and referencing.
Data Collection and Descriptive Statistics
• Mean, mode, median.
Probability
• Probability laws. Binomial, Poisson and Normal distributions.
Statistical Interference Using Samples
• T-test, Chi-square testing. • Statistical determination of sample size. • Statistical significance and practical significance. • Confidence intervals
Syllabus Content for Practical S.P.S.S. Component.
1. Introduction to SPSS and Analysis of variance / ANOVA 2. Using the data editor • Data coding and entry • Defining variables • Value labels • Missing values 3. Modifying and recoding data values Data analysis using a case study dataset Frequencies Descriptive statistics Explore and cross tab procedures Multiple response procedures Hypothesis testing
Using the Output Editor
• Creating and modifying charts • Exporting tables and charts
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project80.00%
Practical20.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Theoretical research project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Develop an applied research project
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Data Analysis, Interpretation and Statistical Analysis using SPSS Software
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Imparting knowledge and ideas and facilitating learners to learn independently. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Lab/Lecture Contact Computer based practical work that backs up lecture based learning activities. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Completion of course work. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Christine Domegan, Declan Fleming. Marketing Research in Ireland, Gill & Macmillan Ltd, [ISBN: 9780717142002].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ryan, D. & Jones, C.. (2012), Understanding Digital Marketing,, [ISBN: 9780749464271].
  • Collis, J. and Hussey, R.. (2003), Business Research, Palgrave Macmillan,, Basingstoke, Hampshire, [ISBN: 9780333983254].
  • Deming, E.. (1990), Sample design in business research, Wiley Classics, [ISBN: 9780471523704].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: