Module Details

Module Code: RECH
Module Title: Research Methods and Project
Title: Research Methods and Project
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 20
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Dean McDonnell
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to further develop their critical thinking and writing and independent organisation, project management, and research skills through the study, analysis, and evaluation of a body of research relevant to the field of Early Childhood Education. This module encourages students to apply the theories, skills, and techniques developed throughout the course and apply it to an area of personal, academic, and/or professional interest to them within the field of Early Childhood Education.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Compare and Contrast the main schools of thought in relation to the scientific method and approaches used in research methodologies;
LO2 Describe and discuss the main components and deliverables of an independent research project;
LO3 Identify a suitable area of research within the area of Early Childhood Education and utelise data collection approaches in gathering information related to this topic;
LO4 Demonstrate the ability to navigate research databases and digital research platforms;
LO5 Identify the data protection and ethical considerations in researching with children in Early Childhood Education;
LO6 Synthesize skills in academic writing, referencing, and research through the development of a research at a Level 8 standard;
LO7 Disseminate the research project at a research symposium.
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
Research and the Scientific Method
Research as a Scientific Enquiry; Theoretical Models and Frameworks in Research; Description versus explanation; Research Questions; Introduction to quantitative and qualitative approaches to research; Conducting ethical research; Research with child participants.
Research Design, Approaches, and Writing Up
Area of interest; Writing research questions; Designing your research; Research paradigms and traditions; Research planning; Ethical considerations; Triangulation; Pilot studies; Justifying your approach; Note taking and reflective practice; The Structure and Art of Literature Reviews; Sources of information; Data Organisation and Analysis; Methodologies to Discuss: designing questions to discuss efficiently;
Qualitative and Qualitative Research: Design and Analysis
Theoretical assumptions; Main features of qualitative and quantitative research; the role of the researcher; Sampling in research; Survey; Questionnaire design and layout; Types of questions; Reliability and validity; Data coding and entry; Sources of bias; Variables and level of measurement Quantitative Data Analysis; Mean, median, mode; Range and interquartile range; Variance and standard deviation; Bar charts, pie charts, histograms and scatter diagrams; Interpreting output from statistical software; Computer analysis in quantitative research in the social sciences; Case study; Ethnography; Grounded Theory; Action Research; Ethical issues; Interviews, focus groups; observation; Analysis Of Qualitative Data; Content analysis; Narrative analysis; Discourse Analysis;
Research Dissemination
The importance of sharing research; Desk Drawer phenomena; Preparing a conference presentation; Using Social Media to Disseminate research.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Project70.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 3,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will submit an annotated bibliography/literature review related to research in the area of ECEC (1,500-2,000 words)
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 6,7
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will disseminate their research through an end of year conference.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 70
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dissertation (6500-8,000 words)
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

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 No Description Per Semester 5.25 131.30000305175801
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description Per Semester 14.76 369
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.25
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Penny Mukherji,Deborah Albon. (2018), Research Methods in Early Childhood, SAGE Publications Limited, p.440, [ISBN: 9781526423719].
  • Guy Roberts-Holmes. (2018), Doing Your Early Years Research Project, SAGE Publications Limited, p.256, [ISBN: 9781526424259].
  • Mac Naughton, Glenda,Rolfe, Sharne,Siraj-Blatchford, Iram. (2010), Doing Early Childhood Research, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), p.368, [ISBN: 9780335242627].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: