Research Methods I
| Module title | Research Methods I |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEEM136 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Damian Clarke (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Module description
This module provides an introduction to the techniques involved in data handling and analysis.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a thorough introduction to the techniques involved in effective data handling, analysis and visualisation required to undertake PhD level quantitative research.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Use statistical tools and software packages
- 2. Repeat steps required to work with large datasets
- 3. Transform raw data into meaningful insight
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Read and work with current economic data.
- 5. Critically analyse and visualize economic data
- 6. List data sources commonly used to analyse economic models
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Apply quantitative skills and handle logical and structured problem analysis
- 8. Apply inductive and deductive reasoning involving data
- 9. Apply essential research skills
Syllabus plan
- Fundamentals of programming
- Handling and manipulating vectors and matrices
- If-then conditional statements
- For loops and other iterative operations
- User defined functions and the ability to use built-in functions
- Handling and manipulating strings
- Tools to deal with databases and tables
- Data visualisation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 118 | Reading, preparation for classes and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice problems | Varies | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empirical project | 80 | 2500 words (10-12 sides of A4) | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
| Average of bi-weekly problem sets | 20 | Bi-weekly problem sets with at most 3 questions each | 1-9 | Oral/Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empirical project (80%) | Empirical project 80% | 1-9 | August examination period |
| Average of bi-weekly problem sets | Single problem set | 1-9 | August examination period |
Re-assessment notes
*Deferral of an individual online test may result in an average being taken of tests that have been taken
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- R Programming for Data Science, Peng RD (2020)
- Introduction to Data Exploration and Analysis with R, Mahoney (2019)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
None
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
None
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathway |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 26/09/2023 |
