Introduction to Research Methods

Subject EDUC90167 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: External mode students can expect a total workload of approximately 240 hours.
Total Time Commitment:

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

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Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: An introduction to the collection, processing, analysis and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data in evaluation studies. The subject consists of two modules with the first focusing on qualitative data collection methods. Topics include: participant observation; interviewing; focus groups and data analysis. The quantitative module then examines: sampling, design; development and testing of instruments for data collection, field processes; data processing; computer based exploratory and descriptive analysis and general issues of validity and reliability. This quantitative component focuses on the development of skills based on intuitive rather than mathematical understandings.
Objectives: On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • link research or evaluation questions to appropriate quantitative and qualitative data techniques;
  • apply a range of core quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques;
  • undertake simple analysis and reporting related to small-scale data sets;
  • understand the use of statistical packages in the analysis and display of quantitative data.
Assessment: Two exercises demonstrating the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluation questions. (4,000 words each 100 per cent)
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Patton, M. 2002. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods, Sage.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completing this subject students should be able to:
  • understand the contexts in which quantitative and qualitative methods are appropriate in research and evaluation,
  • recognize the suitability of particular methods in specific circumstances;
  • be capable of developing simple research and evaluation designs for social and educational programs, including, where appropriate, activities such as sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.
Links to further information: www.education.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Assessment and Evaluation

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