• Design and execute a research project to address the well-defined research questions relevant to professional educational practice;
• Select, and integrate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches ensuring alignment with research context and objectives;
• Develop a research proposal that demonstrates coherence between research questions, methodology, and ethical considerations;
• Systematically collect, analyse, and interpret data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, demonstrating critical engagement with findings;
• Uphold academic integrity principles, reflexivity, and ethical research practices in all aspects of the research process.

• Define the philosophical foundations of research including ontology, epistemology and research paradigms and their implications for educational inquiry;
• Differentiate between qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research principles, applications, and approaches;
• List a variety of research tools and data collection techniques applicable to educational research;
• Distinguish between research questions, statement of problem, hypothesis and theoretical frameworks;
• Evaluate the notions of validity, reliability and generalisability and their role in ensuring research credibility;
• Identify different forms of research designs applicable to professional educational practice, including: sequential designs, case studies and action research;
• Critically evaluate the ethical consideration of the researcher, including researcher responsibilities, informed consent, confidentiality, and the impact of bias;
• Describe what is researcher reflexivity, enabling critical self-awareness and transparency in the research process;
• Define principles of academic integrity, including plagiarism, and strategies to ensure originality and proper citation.

• Evaluate and critique the selection, advantages, and disadvantages of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research;
• Demonstrate sensitivity to ethical issues and integrity in research;
• Match the research methodology, tools, and design with the research question to ensure methodological coherence;
• Manage a research project effectively by organising time, resources, and data collection processes efficiently;
• Conduct rigorous literature review, synthesizing exiting research to inform their study and establish theoretical connection;
• Pilot research instruments where necessary to refine methodological approaches and enhance study reliability;
• Structure a research dissertation with clear division of chapters in a dissertation.

This module will be assessed through: Assignment.

Core Reading List

1. Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5^th). Oxford.
2. Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8^th). Routledge. 
3. Creamer, E. (2018). An introduction to fully integrated mixed methods research. Sage.

Supplementary Reading List

1. Bogner, A., Littig, B. & Menz W., (Eds). (2009). Interviewing Experts. Palgrave Macmillan.
2. Crossley, M., Arthur, L, & McNess, E. (2016). Revisiting insider – Outside research in comparative and international education. Symposium Books.
3. McNiff, J. (2013). Action research: Principles and practice (3rd ed.) Routledge.