Module Code - Title:
SS8023
-
EVALUATION METHODS AND ANALYSIS 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module will build on the content and concepts gained by the doctoral candidate in the module "Evaluation and Analysis 1" and all modules to date. The focus of the module will be to customised the evaluation and analysis approach to the target professional innovation/s identified by the candidate. This customisation process will required greater levels of self-directed learning and tailored guidance by the candidate supervisory team. The module will encourage the candidate to explore and make conclusions regarding the evaluation which will be used in examining the validity of their targeted innovation/s.
The aim of the module is to develop and demonstrate independent research and critical thinking skills and to apply these skills to, quantitatively and/or qualitatively, evaluating the targeted innovation/s. Further, upon completion of this module, doctoral candidates will have reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of the various research methods and their practical applicability, against both the complexity of the topic under investigation and the constraints of the professional domain. The submission of a detailed and critically evaluated innovation implementation proposal will be the primary output from this module.
Syllabus:
The module will build on the content and concepts gained by the doctoral candidate through all modules completed to date. The module will integrate, link and determine an advanced synthesis regarding the personal development plan of the candidate, the critical interpretation of extant literature and theory and the proposed methodologies and data/information analysis to be used in the evaluation of the targeted professional innovation/s. The focus of the module will be to customised the evaluation and analysis approach to the target professional innovation/s identified by the candidate. This customisation process will required greater levels of self-directed learning and tailored guidance by the candidate supervisory team. The module will encourage the candidate to explore and make conclusions regarding the evaluation which will be used in examining the validity of their targeted innovation/s. The submission of a detailed and critically evaluated innovation implementation proposal will be the primary output from this module.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
- Determine key methodologies through which the targeted innovation/s, can be implemented, investigated and critically evaluated.
- Critique the validity of the various available evaluation methodologies against the constraints of the professional environment.
- Determine an appropriate suite of methods which can be implemented to effectively evaluate the potential value of the identified professional innovation/s.
- Competently implement the selected evaluation methodologies, and appropriately analyse generated data/information.
- Integrate data, potentially emerging from diverse evaluation methodologies, to illuminate relevant issues of controversy and innovation efficacy.
- Communicate their findings clearly and succinctly in an appropriate style and medium.
- Critically defend the content and the approach of their advanced proposal for the evaluation of their targeted innovation/s.
- Competently implement the selected evaluation methodologies
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Upon successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
- Demonstrate confidently appropriate critical thinking and reflection.
- Acknowledge conflicts between standard professional practice and empirical evidence.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
In order to meet the learning outcomes of the modules/programme and to promote engagement with the UL graduate attributes a variety of teaching and learning and assessment methods and modes will be employed. This module will be delivered through e-learning modalities such as online lectures, discussion boards and one to one online tutorials and discussion. The learning experience is both self-directed and supported by digital/online interaction with the module tutor. Opportunities to practice and gain expertise in specific evaluation methodologies will be organised. The assessment mode will be a written submission critically evaluating and presenting a proposal to implement a targeted innovation/s in a professional context. The buddy system and full cohort group online interactive forums will be established so that candidates can share both personal and professional experience regarding the development and progression of their studies. The content of the taught components in Semester 1 will underpin the module and reference to this content will be made and further developed as appropriate. The candidate will be expected to self-manage their own time and prioritise their activities in relation to planning and organising their progression. They will work autonomously, exercising initiative and personal responsibility for the achievement of the stated learning outcomes, however, as indicated significant support will be available and provided by the supervisory team.
The nature of teaching, learning and assessment is carefully considered so that it is appropriate to doctoral stage of the candidate, represents a progressive challenge and promotes engagement with and development of the UL graduate attributes. The development of the UL graduate attributes progress and extend across the programme. Creativity and innovation which enhances the professional environment is the central attribute targeted by the programme. The development of this attribute will be underpinned by the synthesis of relevant knowledge, the associated development of competencies and the parallel development of other attributes thus allowing for 1) the promotion of critical thinking (Knowledgeable), 2) the capacity to resolve complex "real world" challenges using a multi-disciplinary approach (Knowledgeable); 3) the ability to creatively translate knowledge to practice (Knowledgeable; Proactive; Creative); 4) the confidence to proactively engage in systematic enquiry and life-long learning and thus develop new innovations and implement positive change (Proactive; Creative); 5) a desire and ability to effectively share knowledge and competencies with others, acting both as an educator and collaborator (Articulate; Collaborative) and 6) the assumption of personal and professional responsibility and leadership roles thus being a net contributor to the advancement of their profession and of society (Responsible).
Relevant and recent developments and research findings will at all stages be incorporated into the candidate learning experience. This will occur by default via the engagement with and critical evaluation of the extant literature. In addition, the relevant professional contexts, practices and experiences of the candidate and others who work in similar, related and different professional contexts will be integrated into the candidate learning experience. The engagement of an internal/external supervisor who has specialist knowledge in the innovation identified by the candidate will be targeted.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Adams, K. A. & Lawrence, E. K. (2015)
Research methods, statistics, and applications.
, Los Angeles: SAGE.
Denscombe, M. (2020)
Research proposals: a practical guide. Second edition.
, London: Open University Press.
Edmonds, W. A. & Kennedy, T. D. (2017)
An applied guide to research designs: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Second edition.
, Los Angeles: SAGE.
Kivunja C. & Kuyini A.B. (2017). (2017)
Understanding and Applying Research Paradigms in Educational Contexts.
, International Journal of Higher Education Vol. 6, No. 5.
Oliver, P. (2010)
The student's guide to research ethics . 2nd ed.
, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.
Other Relevant Texts:
Costello, P. (2011)
Effective action research.
, London: Continuum International Publishing Group
Layder, D. (2012)
Doing excellent small-scale research.
, London: Sage
Sparkes A.C. & Smith, B. ()
Qualitative Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health.
, London: Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Ciaran.MacDonncha@ul.ie