Unit Aim
The aim of this unit is to provide Learners with an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The unit explores research design principles, sampling techniques, data collection methods and analysis approaches. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations in research, including participant rights, data integrity and responsible reporting. Learners develop academic writing skills, learning to structure research papers and adhere to scholarly conventions. By the end of the unit, Learners are prepared to conduct research effectively and ethically.
Unit Content
Know the fundamental principles of quantitative and qualitative research.
Quantitative and qualitative research
Comparison and role in studies
Be able to apply appropriate research designs for different study contexts.
Research design
Selecting and defining research design
Features of effective design
Know sampling methods and their significance in research.
Sampling design
Population and sampling
Sample size determination
Probability and non-probability methods
Be able to utilise various data collection techniques for both qualitative and quantitative studies.
Data collection methods
Types of data
Tools for quantitative and qualitative data
Be able to analyse and interpret research data using appropriate analytical methods.
Data analysis methods
Descriptive and thematic analysis
Be able to apply ethical principles in research design, data handling and reporting.
Ethics in research
Participant and data ethics
Publication and reporting ethics
Know how to develop structured and well-articulated scholarly research papers.
Scholarly writing
Academic conventions
Structuring papers
Ethical publishing
