Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
AS10052: Research methods |
 Credits: |
10 |
| Level: |
Certificate |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Academic Year at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment: |
CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites: |
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| Description: | Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit the learner will be able to: * Identify a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to Early Years settings and practice. * Review, select and evaluate a range of literature relevant to Early Years research and practice. * Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the range of research approaches. * Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and the ethical issues related to the conduct of a research project. Skills: The professional practice for this unit is that the learner must demonstrate whilst working as a Senior Practitioner that they can: * Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, including the ability to: * Identify and summarise the main points in an argument; * Present and develop an argument, drawing upon appropriate evidence, literature and theory; * Analyse and synthesise research, theories and ideas from multiple sources; * Examine issues from a range of professional and theoretical perspectives; * Produce critical and evaluative responses to the content of the learning out comes. Content: Identification of a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to early years settings and practice to include: * Introduction to action research and its application * Exploration of ethnography and its application * Case study approaches to research * Experimental approaches to research * Using surveys in research in early years settings Exploration of tools appropriate for research in early years settings and practice including: * Questionnaires * Interviews * Observation * Review of documents The use of literature reviews to establish the existing state of knowledge in the area of research. Evaluation of existing research with reference to: * Use of qualitative and quantitative methods * Consideration of appropriateness of small scale and large scale studies in relation to the research topic. Awareness of ethical issues related to research methodology including: * Confidentiality * Informed consent * Protection from harm * Protection of rights (issues in relation to children and carers) Knowledge of the stages of the research process including: * Undertaking issue analysis * Formulation of an hypothesis * Collection and presentation of data * Analysis of data * Review and evaluation * Production of a research report |