PL1RM-Research Methods in Speech and Language Therapy

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Co-requisites: All other BSc Speech and Language Therapy Part 1 modules
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8

Module Convenor: Dr Lotte Meteyard

Email: l.meteyard@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:
This module introduces students to the research methods applicable to speech and language therapy, including study design and exploratory data analysis. Students are offered practical classes in data exploration using Microsoft Excel software.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to quantitative approaches to the study of language and communication; planning the design of experiments, the collection of data and the analysis and interpretation of data; normal distributions and the statistical principles underpinning standardised assessments.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module, students will be able to:

Describe different types of experimental design

Calculate different measures of central tendency and dispersion and explain which one is most appropriate to the data collected

Describe different types of distribution

Describe different types of data

Use spreadsheet and statistical software to calculate descriptive statistics and represent data visually using graphs and tables

Additional outcomes:
Students will participate in research studies being conducted in the School, and thereby enhance their knowledge of experimental methodology and apply their knowledge of experimental design and procedure to real examples.

Outline content:
Collecting and inputting data from a standardised assessment; describing data using measures of central tendency and dispersion; tabulating and visualising data; normal distributions and standardised tests; experimental and non-experimental research; between-subjects and within-subjects designs; use Excel to input data, generate descriptive statistics and visualise data.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will collect data using a standardised assessment, and follow a web-based course supported by practical workshops to practice data analysis (using MS Excel spreadsheets). The web based course covers the basic theoretical and technical content. Students will complete web-based practice exercises, and practice in using Excel in the workshops.

Participation in research studies, selected from those available, followed by debriefing, and answering questions on each. Students who have an approved reason for non-participation will be given an alternative assignment of equivalent value.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		2
Practicals classes and workshops		4
Guided independent study		94
Total hours by term		100.00
Total hours for module	100.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Class test administered by School	100

Other information on summative assessment:
Students complete an open-book class test on exploratory data analysis.

Formative assessment methods:
The online course and practical workshops offer opportunities for students to receive feedback on exercises completed as part of the course.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.

where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment by September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 31 March 2017