Module overview
Students will gain an understanding of the individual, social, economic and political implications of population ageing by examining substantive and research methods issues pertinent to ageing and older people, such as end-of-life care or service provision. They will gain an appreciation of the diverse meanings and experiences of ageing over the lifecourse by examining ageing through the lenses of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic group and sexual identity, and discussing the methods, data, ethical implications and research impact opportunities of conducting empirical research on such issues.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Locate relevant literature and published data.
- Identify and discuss the methods, data and ethical implications of researching substantive issues concerning ageing and older people.
- Use evidence in your argumentation and reference sources correctly.
- Gain communication skills through the preparation of assessed coursework.
- Draw upon concepts in Gerontology and understand how they are applied in research on social, health and economic issues impacting older people.
- Discuss contrasting viewpoints on selected contemporary issues in ageing societies and critically evaluate the evidence for them.
- Demonstrate awareness of different methods for researching ageing societies and the advantages and challenges in applying these.
Syllabus
The module will feature online lectures that cover a spectrum of topics related to researching ageing and older individuals, alongside the opportunity to learn how to write and present a project proposal. Additionally, it will delve into the obstacles encountered when researching 'hard-to-reach' groups, addressing ethical, communication, and methodological challenges. Moreover, the module gives practical insights into conducting research (for example, measuring, operationalising, finding data, gaining access to participants, sampling, and handling sensitive topics), while focuses on examples of topics relevant to the field of Gerontology.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is taught through lectures and guest lectures involving student participation, student presentations, and independent study.
It is expected that students will listen to all lectures in this module. Blackboard tracking statistics allow module convenors to monitor this. In addition, students should aim to read 2-3 of the recommended readings (marked with a star *) for each lecture. Following this guidance will improve their subject knowledge, increase their ability to produce well-argued and well-evidenced assignments, and facilitate them to achieve higher grades.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 132 |
| Teaching | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Łuszczyńska, M. (2020). Researching Ageing: Methodological Challenges and Empirical Background. London: Routledge (e-book).
Leontowitsch, M. (ed) (2012). Researching Later Life and Ageing: Expanding Qualitative Research Horizons. Palgrave Macmillan. [e-book].
Urbaniak, A. and A. Wanka (eds) (2023). Routledge International Handbook of Participatory Approaches in Ageing Research. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003254829 [open access book].
Clark, T. et al. (2021). Bryman's Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Denscombe, M. (2021). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press [e-book].
García-Peña, C., L.M.G. Robledo, M.U. Pérez-Zepeda (eds) (2018). Aging research: Methodological Issues. Springer [e-book].
Weil, J. (2017). Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods.. Routledge. [e-book].
Bell, J. (2014). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Buckingham: Open University Press [e-book].
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assignment, worth 100%, consists of an individual project proposal presentation prepared using PowerPoint, with recorded narration of no more than 15 minutes plus 5 minutes of questions about the presentation by the assignment markers.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Presentation | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Presentation | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External