Research Methods and Evidence Analysis

Plan an enquiry suited to a specific social or organisational question. You will compare qualitative and quantitative approaches, prepare ethical data collection and assess evidence quality. The module connects research questions to sampling, analysis and clear reporting of uncertainty and limitations.

Learning outcomes

• Formulate a research question
• Select a defensible research design
• Prepare an ethical data collection plan

Main topics

• Research questions
• Literature review
• Design choices
• Sampling
• Ethics
• Data analysis

Practical task

Submit a research proposal, instruments and a worked analysis of a pilot dataset.

Assessment

Assessment combines applied exercises, a documented case or practical portfolio and an individual written or oral explanation. Judgement considers technical accuracy, reasoning, evidence quality and the feasibility of recommendations.