Description
In this course you will gain insight in the creative process of setting up and designing real world research in all its facets. The course will include topics such as writing research questions, matching design to question, and exploring research methods. Particular attention will be given to applied research in real world settings. The course goes beyond research methodology and also includes for example embedding in existing lines of research, networking, financial and management planning, and ethical review, all in the context of team science.
During the course you will work together on a grant proposal for a substantial piece of research on a topic chosen by the group. It is not required to actually submit the proposal, but it is expected that the proposal matches that standard. Parallel to the research proposal, you will work on a form for the Ethics Review Board. Several masterclasses will be organized around the course themes. You will give short updates/presentations of your progress. The course will be concluded by a presentation and interview about the developed grant proposal by a mock grant panel.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing the course, the course you should be able to:
Formulate research questions in a team.
Describe the relevance of the research to the practice of Education and Child studies; that is, argue its impact on science and society.
Choose, describe and defend in public research methods appropriate to the research question.
Navigate between and appreciate the different approaches in different academic disciplines.
Make ethical considerations about the research methods, and implement these considerations into the design.
Draw up a budget and management plan including valorization plans
Work respectfully and constructively together with other researchers; that is, take your own role in the group, show your ability to actively argue your own points as well as to compromise.
Defend the research design in public.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Mode of instruction
The meetings during this course will be (inter)active. There are seven two-hour masterclasses in which experts will guide you through different aspects of research design. You may receive additional information on Brightspace in preparation for the master classes. Parallel to the master classes, you will work together with your fellow-students on designing a team research design, incorporating the information you gain from the master classes.
You will design your project step-by-step, in accordance with the sections of a grant proposal format and ethics form. The instructors will give formative feedback on each part of your design, so you will be able to translate your design to the grant proposal and ethics form. We also expect students to provide each other with formative feedback. Each student will be primarily responsible for one particular part of the process (e.g., the literature review, the research questions, or the budgeting); all students together will be responsible for the final products.
The course will end with a final two-hour meeting where you will present the final research design before a mock review panel, who will ask you some critical questions.
Assessment method
At the end of the course, the group delivers three final products: (1) Research design translated to a grant application (60% of the group grade) (2) Ethics form (20% of the group grade) (3) A presentation/pitch of your proposal (20% of the group grade)
Your individual grade will be the weighted average of three components:
(1) the overall group grade (40%);
(2) the grade appointed to the task you were primarily responsible for (40%);
(3) Your participation during meetings (20%).
For example, if you were responsible for the conceptual framework, your grade will be the weighted average of the overall group grade on the three final products, the sub-grade on the conceptual framework, and your participation score. Assessment rubrics for all elements of assessment will be posted on Brightspace.
All three components of your individual grade should be a pass grade (5.5 or higher). If the group grade is below 5.5, the group will get one opportunity to revise the products that were insufficient with a deadline set by the instructors. If the group grade is above 5.5 but your individual grade is below 5.5, you will get one opportunity to revise only the part of the assignments you were primarily responsible for. Your participation grade cannot be redone. Partial (pass) grades cannot be carried over to the next academic year.
Brightspace
During this course Brightspace is used.
Reading List
Robson, C & McCartan, K. (2015). Real world research. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Additional materials provided on Brightspace.
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register via My Studymap up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
The exam concerns a paper and a practical assignment, so you do not need to register in MyStudymap.
Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Contact information
The course managers of this course are Dr. M. Linting and K. van Lieshout.