Research Dissertation in Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (Distance Learning) - TZRD8191

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2025 to 2026
Canterbury
Summer to Late Summer Terms 7 40 (20) Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou checkmark-circle
Canterbury
Late Summer Term 7 40 (20) Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou checkmark-circle

Overview

How can research enhance practice and support for people with intellectual disabilities and autistic individuals? What steps are involved in establishing an evidence base for a particular area? How does one develop and conduct ethical research? In this module, you will enhance your research skills and gain unique insights into conducting high-quality research. Whether you complete an empirical project, such as a survey, focus groups, or evaluation of an intervention, or opt for a non-empirical project, such as a policy review or systematic review, you will receive guidance and supervision from a member of the Tizard course team. Throughout the process, you will learn navigate ethical approval procedures (where applicable), design and implement data collection methods, and analyse and interpret your results. Ultimately, this module will pave the way for you to become an expert in your chosen area of focus while equipping you with valuable skills for future research endeavours if you decide to pursue them.

Details

Contact hours

Tutor contact 20

Method of assessment

Written -Dissertation -6000 words- 100%- This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.

Reassessment methods: Like-for-like

Indicative reading

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:

1) Conduct a thorough literature review at an advanced level to inform the formulation of a testable hypothesis or research question related to intellectual disabilities and autism, as well as design a research study to examine and address the identified hypothesis or question.

2) Draw upon a critical understanding of various research methodologies, carefully select an appropriate approach to investigate and address the hypothesis or question and adhere to modern standards promoting open access and transparency in research.

3) Critically assess the ethical considerations involved in the proposed research and obtain ethical approval, drawing upon an advanced understanding of professional and research ethics. Subsequently, where applicable, demonstrate a comprehensive range of research techniques, such as negotiating service access, seeking consent, monitoring assent, and collecting data.

4) Critically analyse findings using advanced data analysis methods (e.g., visual, thematic or statistical) employed in modern peer-reviewed research in intellectual disabilities and autism.

5) In writing the dissertation, demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the pertinent literature while considering, if relevant, the policy context and adhering to modern expectations concerning academic writing standards, encompassing clarity, coherence, and adherence to disciplinary conventions.

Notes

  1. Credit level 7. Undergraduate or postgraduate masters level module.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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