module specification

This module aims to support students carrying out and writing up a small-scale independent investigation focused on an aspect of education of their choice. Through the course of their work for the dissertation students should:
• develop a critical understanding of research methodology and methods in education
• deploy and critically evaluate theoretical perspectives in relation to their chosen topic
• gain skills in identifying and selecting appropriate source material including data from primary sources
• evaluate the strengths and limitations of research carried out by themselves and by other people
• produce an extended piece of writing with a clear structure and conceptual organisation which shows stylistic competence, and uses a conventional system of full and accurate referencing
• develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen aspect of education such that they can make an original contribution to existing knowledge in that area.

ED7123

Students doing the dissertation will already have completed the module Research Methods and the Dissertation, at the end of which they will have produced a research proposal setting out what they intend to do for their dissertation.

On the basis of this proposal they will be allocated a supervisor with appropriate research or subject expertise who will support them through individual tutorials throughout the process of carrying out the research and writing the dissertations, recommending appropriate reading and offering advice and feedback on work in progress.

It is the student’s responsibility to maintain contact with their tutor.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO6

Reflecting on supervision guidance student’s are expected to work independently and take responsibility to maintain contact with their tutor.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to plan and carry out and evaluate a small-scale piece of educational research in which they:
1. demonstrate a critical understanding of research methodology and methods in education
2. effectively deploy and critically evaluate theoretical perspectives
3. identify and select appropriate source material including data from primary sources
4. evaluate the strengths and limitations of research carried out by themselves and by other people
5. structure and maintain an extended piece of writing which shows stylistic competence, and uses a conventional system of full and accurate referencing.
6. contribute with originality to existing knowledge
7. demonstrate independent achievement and creative ability.

Dissertation 12-20000 words

Reading for the dissertation falls in two categories: reading specific to the topic, which will be identified by the student with advice from the tutor, and reading about research methods drawing on texts such as those listed below.

Core Texts

Atkins, L and Wallace, S (2012) Qualitative Research in Education. London Sage

Flick, U (2014) An Introduction to Qualitative Research . London: Sage

Lichtman, M (2013) Qualitative Research in Education. London, Sage (recommended)

Punch, K (2009) Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London: Sage

Other texts

Bryman, A (2012) ‘Research strategy: quantitative and qualitative research’. In Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press,

Cohen, L., Manion, L., and Morrison, K (2011) Research Methods in Education. 7th edition. Oxon: Routledge

Hammersley, M (2013) The Myth of Research-Based Policy and Practice. The Open University/Sage

Fletcher-Campbell, F and Brill, F (2008) Fifty years on: contrasts and connections in Educational Research, Educational Research, 50:1, 1-8

Goodson, I. and Sikes, P. (2001) ‘Studying Teachers’ Life Histories and Professional Practice’. Chapter 4. In Life History Research in Educational Settings, Buckingham, Open University Press 

Kvale, S and Brinkmann, S. (2009) ‘Interviews’ Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing.  Second Edition. Sage, London