EDUC47210: Measurement in Education Research

• None.

• None.

• None.

• To develop a critical understanding of what measurement in social science research means and how it can be implemented in education research.

• Types of measurement tools and scales in research with a focus on questionnaire development.
• Validity and reliability of measurement tools used in research.
• Ethical issues related to measurement in research.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• On completion of the module successful students will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the aims and purposes of measurement development and validation in education research.
• Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of validity and reliability of measurement tools used in research.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and critical understanding of current and potential ethical issues related to measurement in education research.

Subject-specific Skills:

• On completion of the module successful students will be able to:
• Better understand the benefits and limitations of measurement tools employed in existing research.
• Decide which approach to measurement is suitable for their empirical research project.
• Develop and validate measurement tools used in education research such as questionnaires and tests.

Key Skills:

• On completion of the module successful students will be able to:
• Critically analyse and present arguments, using theoretical sources and empirical evidence.
• Use computer and information technology (e.g internet use, word processing, spreadsheets, survey design platforms and statistical software).
• Participate in and reflect on collaborative group/team work.
• Communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

• An intensive programme of workshops, practical tasks, and self-guided learning will provide up-to-date knowledge of measurement development in research and help structure students own study and learning towards the learning objectives. Activities in workshops and beyond will facilitate a more in-depth student engagement with themes and issues raised in the teaching sessions. The workshop format will enable students to critically discuss issues related to methodological approaches to measurement in education.
• Assessment will take the form of a practical assignment in which students are asked to design and develop a short measurement tool (e.g. questionnaire) for which they then will outline and justify a plan for its evaluation covering basic steps related to item analysis, reliability analysis, and validation strategy. This will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate the extent to which they have understood and are able to engage critically with the themes and issues covered under the learning outcomes.

Verbal feedback is given to students' contribution during class teaching sessions. Tutors can be contacted for individual help. Oral formative feedback is provided on active contributions in teaching sessions and written formative feedback is provided on a task plan for the summative assignment (300 words max.)

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.