Module BUSI2231: Research Methods and Statistics

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI2231: Research Methods and Statistics

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1191 Introduction to Business Research

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide students with a comprehensive grounding in a variety of research methods in the social sciences, including both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• To enable students to use a range of perspectives to critically review research studies in terms of theorising, methods and findings.
• To develop skilled research methods to address complex business problems, both systematically and creatively.
• To prepare students for the dissertation at Level Three through the development and production of a formal research proposal.

Content

• Research methods in the social sciences
• Developing a research question, undertaking a systematic literature review and selecting an appropriate research strategy
• Deductive and inductive reasoning
• The nature of qualitative research
• Qualitative data collection techniques - ethnography, mobile ethnography, interviews, focus groups, documentary analysis, content analysis, surveys, etc.
• Working with qualitative data – coding techniques, interpretation, NVivo, etc.
• Quantitative data collection techniques – as above, plus scaling, psychometrics, experimentation, behavioural coding, etc.
• Levels of measurement
• Descriptive and inferential statistics
• Non-parametric and parametric techniques
• Quantitative data analysis in SPSS – correlation, regression, ANOVA, t-tests, etc.
• Identifying, using and critiquing secondary data sources
• Documenting, reporting and disseminating research
• Ethical issues in business research

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module students should be able to:
• demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence in collecting data and using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques.

• At the end of the module students should be able to:
• understand the implications of different approaches and designs of research and investigation for meaning and method.
• design and conduct small-scale research investigations, including gathering of appropriate primary and secondary data from business and other sources.
• select appropriate methods, conduct analyses of data and draw inferences using statistical, mathematical and qualitative techniques as appropriate.

• Ability to access data and information from a range of sources.
• Ability to analyse and present quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to self-manage and reflect on their own performance.
• Ability to exercise effective time management.
• Ability to assess the quality of research conducted by others.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module will be delivered by means of a series of lectures and practical workshops, supported by guided reading and online learning materials. Lectures explore advanced philosophical, epistemological and conceptual input to students’ research training, building on Level One. The accompanying workshops provide opportunities for experiential learning, exploring in-depth specific research and data analysis methods, especially quantitative techniques, in a ‘laboratory-type’ setting.
• Summative assessments on this module are designed to afford opportunities to further develop knowledge and practical research skills. Part One takes the form of a quantitative data analysis exercise, examining students’ ability to identify, apply, interpret and communicate the outputs from appropriate statistical techniques. Part Two develops critical thinking skills, requiring students to review an academic paper in a peer-reviewed journal in a disciplinary area of direct relevance to their intended dissertation topic. Finally, Part Three of the summative assessment involves the development and submission of a formal dissertation proposal in order that students completing are fully prepared for, and have received detailed feedback on, the proposed research project undertaken at Level Three.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative exercises will be embedded into all workshops to provide continuous assessment and feedback on students’ developing research and data analysis skills. In addition, all students will produce a short ethical statement and risk assessment (1000 words max.) outlining their intended dissertation topic.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University