Methods, Analysis and Techniques

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Shino Shiode
• Assessment: a 2000-word research methods essay (60%) and 2000-word statistics coursework (40%)

In this module we provide training in research skills by exposing you to various 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' research methods. These are delivered through discussion of a range of methods used for collecting and interpreting qualitative information as well as applications of statistical methods to geographic and environmental data. There will also be hands-on lab sessions to help you master the relevant skills for collecting data and applying analytical methods.

Towards the end of the module, there will be a couple of small-group workshops on writing research proposals.

Indicative syllabus

• Research journals, literature reviews and research questions
• Sampling design and questionnaire survey
• Semi-structured interviews
• Focus group
• Visual ethnography
• Analysing qualitative data
• Research ethics
• Secondary data and data collection
• Descriptive statistics
• Making graphs and tables
• Hypothesis testing and t-test
• Correlation analysis