Research proposal.
There are three parts to this assessment task.

Part One - Overview of the Research Project (1500 words)
A written account of the proposed research project, underpinned with relevant literature to include:
1. Aims and objectives of the project
2. The research question
3. The background to the project
4. A literature review that provides a rationale for investigating the topic

Part Two - Research Methodology (1500 words)
A written outline and justification for the research methodology and research methods. It should articulate reasons for rejecting methodologies / methods and show how the design of the project and the procedures followed are likely to assess the research question. Consideration should also be given to ethics and the proposed participants for the research.

Part 3 University ethical approval application (no word count) A completed application proforma submitted and approved in preparation for the Level 6 Independent Research Project with its executive summary assessment.

Formative assessment opportunities include:
Round table discussion of research ideas

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to carrying out educational research. It is important to understand how your overall approach is shaped by the assumptions you bring and the methods you choose. Your methodological stance influences the way you design your study and the kinds of questions you can answer.

You’ll also need to think about why you are using either qualitative or quantitative data. Each approach offers different strengths: quantitative data helps you measure patterns and trends, while qualitative data helps you explore experiences, meanings, and perspectives in depth. Being able to justify your choice shows you understand what type of evidence best fits your research aims.

Throughout your work, integrity is essential. This means being clear about your assumptions, recognising where bias might appear, and being careful not to overstate what your data can show.

You will learn some key quantitative methods, such as designing questionnaires, and thinking about sample size. These tools are especially useful when you want to explore issues like educational effectiveness or aspects of management practice.

You will also work with qualitative methods such as interviews, document analysis, participant observation, and systematic approaches to analysing qualitative data. These help you understand educational issues from the viewpoint of learners, teachers, and other stakeholders.

Finally, ethical considerations run through the whole research process. You must protect participants’ anonymity, gain permission when needed, and make sure the data you use is genuine and handled responsibly. Ethics ensures your research respects people and produces trustworthy findings.

Rationale
You are completing this research proposal to learn how to design a study that addresses a meaningful problem, draws on existing evidence, and follows a logical research process. It develops the essential skills you’ll need for your dissertation, future academic work, and professional practice, critical thinking, planning, justification of decisions, and the ability to communicate research ideas clearly.

1. Evaluate methods of enquiry that can be applied to research in the fields of education/early childhood.

Programme Learning Outcome: 5 Research skills

2. Develop a research proposal using the concepts and principles of effective research design.

Programme Learning Outcome: 2. Application and problem solving, 8. Personal development and entrepreneurship

The teaching, learning and assessment strategy has been carefully developed for this module. It recognises you may bring with you practical experience as level 5 students and knowledge of specific contexts to share with others, and this pool of practical experience will be used to promote discussion and debate, which will build upon existing knowledge to encourage reflection and critical thought. A digitally enabled blended approach will be used to support both virtual and face to face opportunities.

University workshops - You will also be asked to use the ideas explored in the sessions in planning your future work. You will also be asked to collaborate with others in preparing and presenting your work. The methods are designed to provide practical contexts for the analysis of contemporary issues and problems of a practical nature. Workshops will include opportunities for discussions.

Work Related Learning – You will be required to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and work-place policies. Work-based activities help to establish connections between the workplace and issues raised by the programme.

Lectures - You will be given lectures which will provide theoretical underpinning on key educational concepts. These may take the form of face-to-face, digital or virtual sessions

Tutorials – You will be given the opportunity to discuss work-related and academic concerns in small group tutorials and/or individual tutorials. This will support the development of theoretical understanding.

Guided reading and supported self-study – You will be provided with booklists and reading tasks in order to enable you to engage with relevant and appropriate debates.

Drop-in support sessions, to support you with assessment

This module will also provide opportunities for you to:
* Work with others
* Develop interpersonal skills
* Demonstrate the capacity to plan, share goals, and work as a member of a team
* Communicate and present oral and written arguments

* Simulation activities
* Education and early years research databases
* Sessions in places other than university rooms
* Related work-based learning opportunities

BERA ethical guidelines 2023

Essential guidelines for ethical conduct in education research

Cohen,L Manion, L and Morrison, K. (2017) Research methods in education (8th Ed). London. Routledge

Seminal text for education researchers, covers all aspects of the research process

Creswell, J and Cresswell, D (2022) Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. London. Sage

Seminal text for education researchers, looks at all approaches to research design and covers all aspects of the research process

This module will enable you to develop an understanding of research methods, the ethical considerations needed to undertake educational research and methods of recruiting participants. The module will enable you to prepare for your executive summary in your final year by giving you a starting point for critiquing literature in your chosen field as well as offering you the opportunity to identify any relevant policy and legislation in your chosen area.