Module overview
The aims of this module are to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of older people. The module will combine critical assessment of contemporary issues relevant to ageing societies with discussion of the application of different research methods, ethical issues and research impact considerations to researching older people.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the methods, data, impact and ethical implications of researching substantive issues concerning ageing and older people
- Locate relevant literature and published data
- Use evidence in your argumentation and reference sources correctly
- Draw on concepts in Gerontology and understand how they are applied in research on social, health and economic issues affecting the lives of older people
- Discuss contrasting viewpoints on selected contemporary issues in ageing societies and critically evaluate the evidence and arguments for them
- Demonstrate awareness of different methods for researching ageing societies and the advantages and challenges in applying these
- Gain communication skills gained through the preparation of assessed coursework
Syllabus
The module will cover critical consideration of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods, secondary data sources, ethical issues and research impact around researching older people in society. Indicative topics include: researching ageing and older people; undertaking sensitive research; ethical challenges in conducting research with older people; researching 'hard-to-reach' groups; ensuring reflexivity in research; conducting research in care homes; achieving research impact. The module will also include guidance on developing and presenting a research project proposal.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is taught by means of lectures and guest lectures, involving student participation, student presentations, and independent study, including designing a research proposal, developing presentation skills.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 18 |
| Independent Study | 132 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Module resources available on BlackBoard. These include lecture PowerPoint slides, reading lists,coursework details, exercises, references and module updates. In addition, resources also include specially ordered texts located in the University library, and details of specialist websites.
Textbooks
Leontowitsch, M. (2012). Researching Later Life and Ageing: Expanding Qualitative Research Horizons. London: Palgrave (e-book).
Biggam, J. (2015). e-book: Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-By-Step Handbook. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Bryman, Alan (2015). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Denscombe, M. (2021). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. London: Open University Press, McGraw Hill.
Łuszczyńska, M. (2020). Researching Ageing: Methodological Challenges and Empirical Background. London: Routledge.
Urbaniak, Anna; Anna Wanka (2024). Routledge international handbook of participatory approaches in ageing research. Abingdon: Routledge.
Weil, Joyce (2017). Research design in aging and social gerontology : quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. New York: Routledge.
Bell, J. (2010). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Jamieson, A. and C.R. Victor (2002). Researching Ageing and Later Life.. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Carmen García-Peña, Luis Miguel Gutiérrez Robledo, Mario Ulises Pérez-Zepeda (2018). Aging research: methodological issues. Cham: Springer.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assignment, worth 100%, consists of an individual research proposal which is presented as an oral presentation with PowerPoint slides, followed by questions
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