1. Demonstrate capacity to undertake an extensive review of existing relevant literature and structure the reviewed literature to logically illustrate how proposed project would contribute to gaps in knowledge
Knowledge and understanding
Enquiry
Analysis

2. Produce a research question, design a project to answer the research question and undertake a pilot research project
Enquiry
Reflection
Problem solving
Application

3. Demonstrate competence in the application of at least one major research technique depending upon the project undertaken
Knowledge and understanding
Application

4. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical guidelines and an ability to practice research ethically
Knowledge and understanding

5 Analyse, interpret and communicate the results of a student pilot research project
Analysis
Communication
Enquiry

6.Critically reflect on merits and limitations of student’s research practice
Reflection
Enquiry
Communication

1. Completion of weekly learning journal entries (250 words per entry). Each entry will act as a ‘research diary’ that records progress relating to the research project (meets learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 6)

2. ‘Pilot’ Research Project Report (meets learning outcomes 1-6)

On this module, students have the opportunity to carry out a small-scale ‘pilot’ project that they can evaluate in order to progress with a more robust research project for their final dissertation project.
The module is designed to allow students to put into practice the knowledge, training and skills they learned in ‘Researching Crime and Society which allows them to experience and master all aspects of the research process.

Students will be given step-by-step guidance and support, so they come to understand the key processes involved in the research process. This module facilitates learners to design, carry out, write up a report on a small-scale ‘pilot’ research project and evaluate their research practice.

Students will be given step-by-step guidance and support to design and undertake a small-scale ‘pilot’ project. Learners will gain practical experience of the key processes involved in designing, carrying out, analysing data and showcasing their efforts in a written report about their study. A key feature of the report will be the student’s evaluation of their efforts, in order that they build a more robust dissertation project.

The module will be taught via a series of pre-recorded lectures as podcasts and loaded to Blackboard for students to revisit and review.

Before participating in the 2-hour intensive practical research project workshops students will be required to
Listen to the pre-recorded lectures and complete the required readings. This preparation will give students a deeper understanding of all aspects of research design, analysing data and offer guidance in how to present and write up ‘pilot’ research projects.

Students will attend face-to-face 2-hour workshops. The first hour of the workshop will offer an opportunity to discuss any issues or problems raised from viewing the podcast lecture and anything they didn’t understand. This first hour will then feature a series of manageable study tasks that consolidate the e-tuition. The second hour of the workshop will allow students to make weekly progress on their pilot projects in the tutor’s presence, so the tutor can offer support if students need guidance.

Participation in a speed-networking researcher event offer students the opportunity to discuss project ideas with research active scholars so they can get robust tips and guidance on how to develop their projects further.

Throughout the module feedback will be provided:

Technologies such as padlet will be used so students can unpack their ideas for their independent research projects and allows peer and tutor to offer feedback on these ideas so they can be strengthened
Students will be given informal feedback on progress during the workshops
Students will be given formal feedback on written work
A sample of student’s weekly learning journal entries will be reviewed and general feedback about the entries will be posted to support student development

Blackboard will be used to host podcast lectures and teaching materials. Students will also have access to an electronic coursepack of electronic readings that will support their learning

Working towards assessments by completing weekly learning journal entries that act as a research diary that allows students to record reflections and chart progress on the different stages of their research projects. relevant material from these weekly learning journal entries can be woven into their final assessment

Field, A., (2009). Discovering Statistics using SPSS: and sex, and drugs and rock n roll. Third Edition. London. Sage

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C., and Ormston, R., (2014). Qualitative Research Practice. A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. London. Sage

Mason, J., (2018). Qualitative Researching. Third Edition. London. Sage

Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project. Open University

Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods. Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press

A flat lecture/workshop, computer lab/room large enough for independent and group work and a projector for powerpoint presentations.

Computer lab with computers with Microsoft office, powerpoint and analysis software packages e.g. SPSS and Nvivo

The Blackboard VLE will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook
University Library
eLibrary Resources
Blackboard
Internet

On this module, students have the opportunity to carry out a small-scale ‘pilot’ project that they can evaluate in order to progress with a more robust research project for their final dissertation project.
The module is designed to allow students to put into practice the knowledge, training and skills they learned in ‘Researching Crime and Society which allows them to experience and master all aspects of the research process.

Students will be given step-by-step guidance and support, so they come to understand the key processes involved in the research process. This module facilitates learners to design, carry out, write up a report on a small-scale ‘pilot’ research project and evaluate their research practice.