EDM209: Research Methods 2

Module code: EDM209

Module provider: Institute of Education

Credits: 40

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Professor Alan Floyd , email: alan.floyd@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Elizabeth McCrum, email: e.m.mccrum@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE EDM207 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will build on Research Methods 1 and focus on research design and methods of data collection, analysis and reporting including quantitative and qualitative techniques and skills. It will also consider the importance of ethics in research in the professional context. As a blended learning module, it is designed to be flexible, with part of the module delivered through lectures, seminars and mini-conferences and part delivered via the virtual learning environment (Blackboard). Specific sessions will be delivered by experienced university staff in the relevant area.

Aims:

• To develop a critical understanding of the range of methodological approaches to research
• To equip students with a knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis
• To understand the process of research design, including formulating research questions
• To understand the role of ethics in research
• To provide opportunities for interaction with experienced researchers

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Critically reflect on the nature of research including research paradigms and underlying philosophical assumptions
2. Understand the importance of ethics in the research process
3. Produce a research proposal appropriate to student’s area of study in Part B of the programme
4. Students will have developed increased depth to their understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in relation to research
5. Students will have increased their ability to communicate complex information in both oral and written communication
6. Critically reflect on a range of methodological approaches and data collection, analysis and reporting methods

Module content

Designing research projects: research design; developing research questions, research ethics

Collecting data: sampling strategies; data collection tools (for example, observations, interviews, questionnaires)

Analysing data: analysing and presenting qualitative data; analysing and presenting quantitative data

Reporting Research: how to write research reports

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module is delivered in the second year of the programme and it runs over 1 academic year. The module will be delivered over two mandatory study weekends of learning at the ÌÇÐÄ̽»¨ campus, plus one online synchronous workshop. Teaching and learning activities will include seminars, presentations on current research by Institute staff, practical seminars (for example, in the use of SPSS and Nvivo), group discussions amongst peers, online learning activities, as well as individual/group tutorials. Independent study will be facilitated by appropriate activities and guidance concerning directed reading, as well as on-line learning tasks that promote the intended learning outcomes. Peer review feedback is an essential part of this module.  For the assessment, students will have the opportunity to develop their own research proposal for Part B. 

Study hours

At least 18 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours