Quantitative Research Methods

Module description

This module provides students with exposure to common methods used in the social science. We begin with the development of research questions and then hypotheses. We then consider issues of measurement and data collection. We also explore the basics of statistical analysis. The module is designed such that upon completion, students can 1) independently design their own research; 2) critique and understand the data and results of published studies; 3) complete basic analysis of data to test hypotheses.

Full module specification

Module title:	Quantitative Research Methods
Module code:	BEMM065
Module level:	M
Academic year:	2020/1
Module lecturers:	Dr Jesse Fagan - Convenor
Module credit:	15
ECTS value:	7.5
Pre-requisites:	None
Co-requisites:	None
Duration of module:	Duration (weeks) - term 1: 11

Module aims

This module primary aims are to:

Prepare students for independent research informed by the main quantitative tools utilised in the social sciences.
Equip students to design, with minimal supervision and guidance, programmes of primary empirical research, taking into consideration issues of research ethics, data generation, data analysis and reporting of findings.
Enable students in their future careers to have confidence in their abilities to analyse data, commission research, or conduct research in the work place and wider operating environment.
Equip students with report writing skills in order to present and interpret data in easily accessible ways

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Articulate the current issues associated with different philosophical, methodological and practical approaches to business- and management-related research problems
2. Critically evaluate the application of a wide range of alternative techniques, methods and data sources and types in the investigation of specialized research goals
3. Identify, assess and action a full range of ethical issues arising from business-related research

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

4. Apply an appropriate range of quantitative methods in the social sciences accurately and independently
5. Apply with precision and independently critique data from disparate sources

ILO: Personal and key skills

6. Make appropriate, systematic and accurate uses and interpretations of statistical data
7. Support transparent, systematic and sustained written arguments

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Contact hours	22	Lectures
Guided independent study	40	Preparatory reading reading prior to lectures and tutorials
Guided independent study	20	Individual reading and study time to produce critique of published article
Guided independent study	48	Individual reading and study time to develop their independent research design
Guided independent study	20	Preparatory video lessons on topics regarding statistics and using software

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Review of individual performance on group exercises	During tutorials	1-7	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Coursework: Take-home exercise	30	1,500 word write-up of analysis	1-7	Written
Coursework: critique of published article	30	2,000 word critique	1-7	Written
Coursework: individual research design	40	3,000 word research design	1-7	Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Coursework: Take-home exercise	1,500 word write-up of analysis	1-7	August assessment period
Coursework: critique of published article	2,000 word critique	1-7	August assessment period
Coursework: individual research design	3,000 word research design	1-7	August assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Three assessments are required for this module. When you have been referred/deferred for the take-home exercise you will submit a practical written assessment. This will constitute 30% of the module mark.

Where you have been referred/deferred for the research critique, you will have the opportunity to submit a 2000 word report in August. This will constitute 30% of the module mark.

Where you have been referred/deferred for the research design, you will have the opportunity to submit a 3000 word report in August. This will constitute 40% of the module mark.