• Postgraduate study:
• Courses
• Apply now
• Fees and funding
• Accommodation
• Open Events
• Work placement
• Study resources
• Student support
• Research
• Campuses
• Choose Kingston
• Disability and mental health support

• Postgraduate study:
• Courses
• Apply now
• Fees and funding
• Accommodation
• Open Events
• Work placement
• Study resources
• Student support
• Research
• Campuses
• Choose Kingston
• Disability and mental health support

Research Methods and Techniques

• Module code: GG7050
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 7
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This is a core module for all taught masters' courses in the Geography and Environmental fields. The module provides basic skills in research methods and techniques, including geographical information system (GIS) for data storage, manipulation and display. Initially it develops GIS skills by introducing GIS concepts, sources for geographical information and outlines basic spatial concepts. Subsequently the module encompasses the theoretical underpinnings to research methods and techniques, including sampling schemes, measurements, quality control issues, and data collection, manipulation and analysis. Together with practical elements of designing research proposals and data testing ensure students have report writing and critical analysis skills.

Aims

• To prepare students for carrying out independent research work;
• To provide students with a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), GIS applications, spatial data and geographical databases;
• To improve the quality of students' scientific thought and procedure by explaining a range of data acquisition and research techniques, statistical and other data analytical techniques applicable to environmental data; and
• To provide extensive experience of the use of computers for data analysis and other applications, such as GIS and modelling.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the use of GIS in the capture, storage and handling, manipulation and analysis of Geographical Information;
• Critically discuss what a GIS is and develop an understanding of its relevance to key application areas;
• Apply the latest developments in geographical database technology to geographical database case studies;
• Synthesise the literature on a specific topic and identify key researchable issues relating to the literature review;
• Develop aims and objectives and relevant research methodologies for a specific research project to enable them to meet their aims and objectives;
• Manipulate data using a computer and select, execute and interpret results of appropriate data analytical methods.

Curriculum content

• GIS concepts, developments and data models
• Spatial data sources and structures
• Query and analysis
• GIS applications
• Developing a research proposal: critical review of literature, identification of researchable constraints, setting realistic research objectives, planning for research with respect to equipment and time
• Data collection: planning fieldwork, obtaining permissions, field research methodologies, conducting surveys, laboratory-based research
• Analysis of data: types of data and analysis, statistical inference, univariate methods, bivariate methods, spatial analysis, multivariate analysis
• Writing up research: structure of a dissertation, planning the writing phase, referencing, formatting the final dissertation

Teaching and learning strategy

The GIS related learning outcomes are achieved through blending e-learning materials, with on-site lectures, practical sessions and learning resources. This is followed by a series of lectures and practical computer sessions, and workshops on research proposal development and data analysis. This is accompanied by independent guided study. Core learning material is provided via StudySpace, with lectures designed to explain main concepts in GIS and its application, reviewing literature and its relevance in research proposal development, hypothesis construction, research methods and data analysis. Workshops are designed to develop data analysis and data interpretation skills.

Delivered in both on-site and distance learning (DL) modes. In the DL mode the learning outcomes are achieved through student-centred distance learning that uses blended learning styles enabling them to develop a reflective and self-evaluative approach to their learning. Students have full access to online resources (e.g. data and reference materials), including virtual discussion sessions with fellow students and tutors. Students are able to download specialist GIS software and to work through detailed practical guides.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Summative assessments consist of coursework only, and will test students' abilities in research project planning, GIS application, data analysis and report writing. The coursework will consist of three elements: a GIS-based mapping project report (40%); a literature review and mock research proposal (30%); and data analysis assignment (30%). All these three assessments are based on individual assignments.

Formative assessment consists of in-class tests/quiz to assess students' ability to recollect basic information/knowledge on GIS application, data collection, testing data quality assurance/control, and research approaches.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

This module is research-based and as such students are not expected to own a core text book. Staff will encourage students to focus on the use of recent research articles & suitable journals. Guidance on topic-specific reading, including journal literature, will be issued with lecture or topic summaries which will accompany each section of the module.

Bibliography recommended reading

• Clifford, French and Valentine (2010) (Eds.), Key Methods in Geography, London, Sage.
• Creswell J W (2002), Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method: SAGE.
• Denscombe M (1998), The good research guide for small-scale social research projects Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Gant R (2005), Survey Design for Geographical Investigation. [On-line StudySpace-based study package] Kingston University.
• Hay I (2010), Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography, Oxford University Press
• Heywood I, Cornelius S and Carver S (2011), An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, (Prentice Hall).
• Longley P. et al. (2010), Geographical Information Systems and Science 3rd Edition, (John Wiley and Sons).
• Miller HJ, Han J and Fraser S (2001), Geographic Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, New York, Taylor and Francis
• Sekaran U (2003), Research methods for business: a skill-building approach / Uma Sekaran, Wiley