| CODE | BEN5004 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty for the Built Environment | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit covers the basics of quantitative and qualitative research and will discuss how these research methods can be applied to tackle the research questions/s being pursued. Content areas include: - distinguishing between qualitative and quantitative research; - purpose of research and type of insights obtained by the different tools used; - main research methodologies: surveys, interviews, focus groups, action research, mixed methodology, ethnography, experimental design and their strengths and weaknesses; - formulating the appropriate research question(s); - undertaking a comprehensive literature review; - developing adequate research design based on research question(s) set; - sampling issues; - design of different types of questionnaires and their purposes; - design of different types of interviews and their purpose; - analysis approaches for qualitative and quantitative data; - analysis of quantitative data through spss; - ethical aspects in research; - statistical significance when interpreting data; - validity and reliability issues. Study-Unit Aims: The study unit aims to: - introduce the different types of quantitative and qualitative research methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, ethnography, action research, experimental design) and their strengths and weaknesses; - develop a proper literature review; - translating the research questions into a set of aims and objectives; - review key issues/aspects related to the use of the different research methodologies (surveys, interviews, focus groups, carrying out observations, etc.); - highlight issues related to ethical aspects, particularly when involving human subjects; - consider the reliability and validity of data collected; - interpreting data to arrive at motivated conclusions. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify the different types of research approaches as either quantitative or qualitative and their application to research; - list the different types of sampling methodolodies used; - cite the legal obligations with respect to ethical issues as part of the research; - recognise the importance of the literature review and its role in the overall research context; - define validity and reliability of data collected and conclusions drawn; - identify the different types of statistical analysis that can be used with different types of quantitative data collected; - identify the main analysis approaches used in qualitative research. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - articulate research question(s); - develop an appropriate research methodology, based on the research question(s) set; - design research tools (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation schedules etc.) which are not biased and respecting ethical considerations; - select appropriate sample size and selection, being aware of type of claims that can be drawn from the results obtained; - analyse qualitative data using appropriate approaches that ensure validity and reliability; - achieving competency in referencing the work of others in line with mainstream formats; - analysis quantitative data collected- using appropriate statistical tools through SPSS; - analyse data and draw conclusions appropriately and use it to explain situations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Bryman, Alan (2016), Social research methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Elisabete A. Silva, Patsy Healey, Neil Harris, Pieter Van den Broeck, (2015), The Routledge Handbook of Planning Research Methods, London; Routledge. - Center for Spatially Integrated Social Science, (n.d), Spatial Social Science for research, teaching, applicationn and policy, California:Center for Spatially Integrated Social Science, http://www.csiss.org/aboutus/reports/Spatial_Social_Science.pdf Supplementary Readings: - Elisabete Silva (Editor), Patsy Healey (Editor), Neil Harris (Editor), Pieter Van den Broeck (Editor), (2014), Research Methods in Spatial Planning: A Case-Based Guide to Research Design, London: Routledge. - Chava Frankfort-Nachmias (Author), David Nachmias (Author), Jack DeWaard (Author), (2014), Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Duffield: WorthPublishing ltd. (8th ed.) - Berg, Bruce L. (i2006), Qualitative research methods for the social sciences, London: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: Bachelors degree | ||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Silvia Bottura Scardina Charles Farrugia Reuben Grima Martin Lochman Nicholas Vella |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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