Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Collecting and Analysing Data
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner:: Brid Delahunt
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module will support students to develop practical research, data collection and analysis skills in order to conduct small scale research projects in the area of Health and Nutrition, Physical Activity or Food Sciences.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Design and conduct a small-scale quantitative and qualitative research study.
MLO2 Select appropriate techniques to analyse the data gathered.
MLO3 Interpret these findings to address the research questions.
MLO4 Prepare a full research report.
MLO5 Reflect on the process of group work
Pre-requisite learning
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Research ethics
Ethical principles; Doing ethical research.
Research methodologies
Approaches to research; Relationships between research question, methodology and data analysis.
Quantitative design
Experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive design; Defining and operationalising variables, control.
Qualitative descriptive design
Qualitative descriptive research; Interviewing.
Data analysis
Descriptive statistics; Effect size; Using graphs to illustrate data; Using Excel/SPSS to analyse data; Reporting quantitative analyses; Thematic analysis; Reporting qualitative analyses.
Reporting research
Abstract writing; Preparing a research report.
Group based work
Organising and contributing to group process; Meeting minutes; Reflecting on individual contribution to group work.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 65
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will, in groups, plan and conduct a small scale quantitative study. They will write up an individual research report based on the quantitative study to include the following subsections: Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References, Appendices.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The qualitative study will be written up as a partial report (Abstract, Method and Results only).
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Each student will complete a set of diaries outlining how they listen, contribute and rate their group work.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT 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 No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer Supervised Learning (non-contact) Non Contact Planning and conducting research, analysing data and writing-up findings Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact 14x5 Every Week 5.00 5
Directed Reading Non Contact 14x6 Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Learner Workload 17.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bell, J. Waters, S. (2018), Doing Your Research Project: a Guide for First-Time Researchers, 7th ed. Mc Graw -Hill Education, New York, [ISBN: 978-0335243389].
  • Braun, V. Clarke, V. (2021), Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide, Sage Publications LTD, London, [ISBN: 978-1473953246].
  • Carlson, K.A Winquist, J.R. (2021), An Introduction to Statistics: An Active Learning Approach, 3rd ed. Sage Publications LTD, London, [ISBN: 978-1544375090].
  • Creswell,J. W. Creswell, J.D. (2022), Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 6th ed. Sage Publications LTD, London, [ISBN: 978-1071817940].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Braun, V. & Clarke, V.. (2006), Using thematic analysis in psychology., Qualitative Research in Psychology., 3(2), p.77-101, [ISSN: 1478-0887].
Other Resources
  • Reusuable Learning Object, Maguire, M. & Delahunt, B.. (2010), A practical step-by-step guide to thematic analysis, National Digital Learning Repository,
    http://hdl.handle.net/10633/5467