Module Details

Module Code: EDUC8017
Title: Research Skills in ECEC
Long Title: Research Skills in ECEC
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will afford students an insight to research methods specifically geared towards young children ages 0-6. Additionally it will edify participants in the area of research design and compilation with a focus on logistics and data analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and formulate an appropriate research question concerning an aspect of young children’s lives.
LO2 Provide a critical analysis of the key issues concerning children’s participation in the research process.
LO3 Demonstrate familiarity with the methodological approaches and choices relating to social research.
LO4 Demonstrate the skills to formulate a literature review.
LO5 Design original research tools and structure their corresponding analysis / presentation.
LO6 Apply quantitative and qualitative approaches to both the collection and analysis of data.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Child Research Design
The child's voice, the right to be heard and the benefits of researching children’s perspectives; how to include children's perspectives; child participatory methodology.
Effective Participation and Ethical Issues related to Research with Children
Informed and on-going child consent; by proxy consent; appropriate communication with adult ‘gatekeepers’; selection of research subjects; adult/child power dynamics within the research process.
Research Design and Compilation
Dissertation overview; component parts of a research dissertation - breakdown by chapter; time management; sampling methods; research proposals; literature review assessment; research language and independent study; validity and reliability. Philosophical underpinning of research design.
Choice of research tools
Benefits of qualitative versus quantitative research when studying children; Use of semi-structured methods, observation, oral communication and conversational style interviews; Interview methods with adults; Development and refinement of child-centred / creative research tools.
Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Analysis and Descriptive Statistics; Summary documents after interviews/focus groups; logistics of the interview; Thematic Analysis; Comparative analysis of children's responses. Methodological review to identify connections between the methods used and quality of data produced.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Quantitative Research
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
Data Analysis
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Literature Review or Methodology
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Research Methodology Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Research Compilation Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Quantitative Research Design and Data Analysis Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Directed Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Resesearch Methodology Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Research Compilation Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Data Analysis Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Polly Bolshaw and Jo Josephidou. (2019), Introducing Research in Early Childhood, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526408273].
  • Mary Kellett. (2010), Rethinking Children and Research, Continuum International Publishing Group, London, [ISBN: 9781847063236].
  • Alan Bryman. (2016), Social Research Methods, 5th. Oxford University Press, Oxford, [ISBN: 9780199689453].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Helen Kara. (2015), Creative Research Methods in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide, Policy Press, UK, [ISBN: 978-144731627].
  • Ranjit Kumar. (2014), Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, 4th. SAGE Publications Ltd, UK, [ISBN: 978-144626997].
  • Gary A. Fine; Kent L. Sandstrom. (2008), Knowing Children: Participant Observation with Minors (Qualitative Research Methods), Sage Publications, UK.
  • Glen J. Myatt. (2007), Making Sense of Data: A Practical Guide to Exploratory Data Analysis and Data Mining, John Wiley & Sons Inc, U.K..
  • John Maindonald and John Braun. (2008), Data Analysis and Graphics Using R: An Example-Based Approach, Second Edition., 2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press, [ISBN: 978-0-521-86116-8].
  • Baker, Amy J.L.; Charvat, Benjamin S.. (2008), Research Methods in Child Welfare, Columbia University Press, USA.
  • Karen Hucker. (2001), Research Methods in Health, Care and Early Years (Heinemann Child Care), HEINEMANN EDUCATIONAL BOOKS, USA.
  • Chris Hart. (1998), Doing a literature review, SAGE, London, [ISBN: 0761959750].
  • edited by Sandy Fraser... [et al.]. (2003), Doing research with children and young people, SAGE, London, [ISBN: 0761943811].
  • Andy Field,. (2009), Discovering Statistics Using SPSS, Sage, [ISBN: 1847879071].
  • Guy Roberts-Holmes. (2018), Doing Your Early Years Research Project, 4th. Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526424242].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HECEC_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care 1 Mandatory