Research Methods aims to equip Learners with the ability to understand and apply the principles of research design and enquiry. Learners can recognise the importance of selecting appropriate methods, gathering and interpreting evidence and conducting research in an ethical and systematic manner. Upon successful completion, Learners have an informed awareness of research processes and their application to academic study.
Introduction to Research
- Meaning, purpose and value of research
- Role of research in generating knowledge and informing practice
- Research in academic, professional and applied settings
- Characteristics of systematic enquiry
- Relationship between research, evidence and decision making
Research Terminology and Concepts
- Key terms used in research
- Research aims, objectives and questions
- Difference between topic, problem and research question
- Variables, concepts and constructs
- Reliability, validity and credibility
Research Paradigms and Approaches
- Nature of quantitative research
- Nature of qualitative research
- Mixed methods approaches
- Deductive and inductive reasoning
- Selection of appropriate research approaches for different purposes
Identifying and Defining a Research Problem
- Selecting a research topic
- Identifying a research problem or issue
- Narrowing the focus of a study
- Formulating research aims, objectives and questions
- Importance of clarity and feasibility in research design
Literature Review
- Purpose of a literature review
- Identifying relevant sources of information
- Academic books, journals, reports and credible online sources
- Searching for literature effectively
- Reviewing, summarising and synthesising literature
- Referencing sources accurately and avoiding plagiarism
Research Design
- Meaning and importance of research design
- Types of research design
- Exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
- Matching design to research aims and methods
Sampling
- Meaning and purpose of sampling
- Target population and sample
- Probability and non-probability sampling
- Sampling techniques and their uses
- Sample size and representativeness
- Strengths and limitations of different sampling approaches
Methods of Data Collection
- Primary and secondary data
- Questionnaires and surveys
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Observation
- Use of documents and existing data sources
- Selecting appropriate methods for data collection
Questionnaire and Interview Design
- Structure and purpose of questionnaires
- Open and closed questions
- Designing clear and relevant questions
- Interview schedules and questioning techniques
- Avoiding bias in data collection instruments
- Piloting and refining research tools
Research Ethics
- Meaning and importance of ethics in research
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality and anonymity
- Protection of participants
- Avoiding harm and deception
- Ethical issues in research involving communities and vulnerable groups
- Role of honesty and integrity in research practice
Data Presentation and Analysis
- Organising and preparing data for analysis
- Basic quantitative data analysis
- Use of tables, charts and graphs
- Introduction to descriptive statistics
- Identifying patterns and themes in qualitative data
- Basic interpretation of findings
Interpretation of Research Findings
- Linking findings to research questions and objectives
- Drawing conclusions from evidence
- Distinguishing between findings, discussion and conclusion
- Recognising limitations of research
- Importance of objectivity in interpretation
Writing a Research Report
- Structure of a research report
- Writing an introduction, methodology, findings and conclusion
- Presenting information clearly and logically
- Academic style and formal writing
- Referencing and bibliography
- Importance of clarity, coherence and accuracy in reporting research
Evaluating Research
- Criteria for judging quality in research
- Strengths and weaknesses of research methods
- Evaluating reliability, validity and credibility
- Recognising bias and limitations
- Using critical reflection to improve research practice
Application of Research Methods
- Use of research in health, nutrition, food security and sustainable development
- Research for problem solving and informed decision making
- Practical application of research methods in academic and work-related contexts
- Importance of research skills for further study and professional development
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
