Overview
Study of the theory, philosophy and practice of research in education, including a critical analysis of selected quantitative and qualitative methodologies and of historical, philosophical and sociological approaches to disciplined inquiry in education.
"Show me the data!" Whether you want to present a convincing case, evaluate if an argument is sound, explore or analyse an issue, you need data. This paper will teach you the fundamentals of research in education: what it is, why we need it, when to use it, and how to conduct it and communicate it.
About this paper
| Paper title | Research Methods in Education |
|---|---|
| Subject | Education |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level EDUC, PSYC or SOCI paper
- Restriction
- EDUC 407, EDUX 351 and EDUX 407
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
- Although quantitative and qualitative methods are covered, no formal background in either is needed.
- Contact
- education@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
To be confirmed if offered.
- Textbooks
- A selection of recommended readings will be included in the course outline.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Understand the scientific method and how it applies to research in education, in terms of philosophical and applied knowledge that will form a basis for their own research
- Understand quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to conducting research
- Be able to critically search, read and use educational research literature
- Have experience in constructing questionnaire and interview items
- Understand how to develop research questions and testable hypotheses
- Be able to interpret and write results using APA style
- Understand the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi for research in New Zealand contexts and that there are Māori-preferred strategies for research
- Understand the differences among and the strengths and limitations of particular approaches to research in order to choose appropriate research designs