FOOD09009 2022 Research Methods

General Details

Full Title
Research Methods
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
FOOD09009
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
FOOD - Food Science
Department
HEAL - Health & Nutritional Sciences
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Thomas Smyth, Irina Uzhova, Maria Dermiki, Amy Mullee
Programme Membership
SG_SFOOD_M09 202200 Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Product Development SG_SFOOD_M09 202200 Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Product Development
Description

By completing this module, learners will be able to formulate a research question, develop a research proposal, and select appropriate methodologies to answer their research question. They will consider ethics in research, and will become familiar with different research methodologies and data analysis methods. They will learn how to conduct a review of the literature and disseminate their research using a variety of methods.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Apply qualitative or quantitative data analysis methods to test a hypothesis

2.

Communicate effectively research outcomes using a variety of methods (written and oral).

3.

Critically review the scientific literature related to food and nutritional product development.

4.

Develop a research proposal in order to answer a research question, adhering to ethical considerations

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered through online weekly lectures. This will consist of a one hour lecture per week as well as one hour of asynchronous learning. In addition, the learner will be expected to allocate an additional 5 hours per week for continuous assessment and additional reading. 

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is 100% continuous assessment. Assignments will evaluate students' ability to evaluate and design research studies and critical thinking ability.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat continuous assessment

Indicative Syllabus

LO 1) Apply qualitative or quantitative data analysis methods to test a hypothesis

Students will learn and expected to understand and / or apply: 

- principles of scientific research

- research designs

- main research methods (the nature of data, primary and secondary data, qualitative and quantitative data analysis)

- research process

- sampling design

- processing and analysis of data

- hypothesis testing

- concept of reliability, validity, reproducibility and defensibility in research

 

LO 2) Communicate effectively research outcomes using a variety of methods (written and oral).

Students will learn and apply: 

- research dissemination methods

- effective research communication strategies

- data visualisation

- technical / scientific writing

 

LO 3) Critically review the scientific literature related to food and nutritional product development.

Students will learn and / or apply: 

- critical analysis of published scientific research

- assessment of research quality

- research standing and context

- interpretation of the research results

 

LO 4) Develop a research proposal in order to answer a research question, adhering to ethical considerations

Students will be expected to: 

- critical evaluate current scientific literature

- identify of a research problem / gap, conceptualise and formulate a problem

- develop a research hypothesis

Students will also be expected to learn and apply: 

- principles of research ethics and integrity

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Scientific Report and presentation Coursework Assessment Assignment 60 % Week 7 1,2,3
2 Research proposal Coursework Assessment Assessment 40 % Week 13 3,4
             

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Online Lecture 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 5 Weekly 5.00
online post-delivery support Not Specified Asynchronous learning 1 Weekly 1.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2015-03-30 Nutrition Research Methodologies John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118554678 ISBN-13 1118554671

Nutrition Research Methodologies Edited by Julie A Lovegrove, Leanne Hodson, Sangita Sharma and Susan A Lanham-New A new book in the acclaimed Nutrition Society Textbook Series, "Nutrition Research Methodologies" addresses the rapidly advancing field of nutrition research. It covers the diverse methodologies required for robust nutritional research to ensure thorough understanding of key concepts, both for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and for scientists working in nutrition research. Combining theory with practical application, "Nutrition Research Methodologies" addresses both traditional research methods and new technologies, and focuses on a range of complex topics, including energy compensation, nutrient-gene interactions and metabolic adaptation. It also considers statistical issues as well as application of data to policy development. Provides the reader with the required scientific basics of nutrition research in the context of a systems and health approach Written specifically to meet the needs of individuals involved in nutrition research Combines the viewpoints of world-leading nutrition experts from academia and research with practical applications Accompanied by a companion website with a range of self-assessment material About the Editors: Professor Julie A Lovegrove, Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition and Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, UK Associate Professor Leanne Hodson, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK Professor Sangita Sharma, Centennial Professor, Endowed Chair in Aboriginal Health, Professor of Aboriginal & Global Health Research, Aboriginal and Global Health Research Group, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada Professor Susan A Lanham-New, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK With website: A supporting companion website featuring illustrations and self-assessment questions is available at www.wiley.com/go/lovegrove/nutritionresearch Other books in the Nutrition Society Textbook Series: "Clinical Nutrition, Second Edition" ISBN: 978-1-4051-6810-6 "Sport and Exercise Nutrition " ISBN: 978-1-4443-3468-5 "Nutrition and Metabolism, Second Edition " ISBN: 978-1-4051-6808-3 "Introduction to Human Nutrition, Second Edition " ISBN: 978-1-4051-6807-6 "Public Health Nutrition" ISBN: 978-0-632-05627-9 For further information, companion material for use with these textbooks, and full details of how to purchase them, visit: www.wiley.com/go/nutritionsociety

Required Reading
2013-06-21 Statistical Methods for Food Science John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118541623 ISBN-13 1118541626

The recording and analysis of food data are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Consequently, the food scientist inindustry or at study faces the task of using and understandingstatistical methods. Statistics is often viewed as a difficultsubject and is often avoided because of its complexity and a lackof specific application to the requirements of food science. Thissituation is changing there is now much material onmultivariate applications for the more advanced reader, but a caseexists for a univariate approach aimed at thenon-statistician. This second edition of Statistical Methods for Food Scienceprovides a source text on accessible statistical procedures for thefood scientist, and is aimed at professionals and students in foodlaboratories where analytical, instrumental and sensory data aregathered and require some form of summary and analysis beforeinterpretation. It is suitable for the food analyst, the sensoryscientist and the product developer, and others who work infood-related disciplines involving consumer survey investigationswill also find many sections of use. There is an emphasis on ahands-on approach, and worked examples using computersoftware packages and the minimum of mathematical formulae areincluded. The book is based on the experience and practice of ascientist engaged for many years in research and teaching ofanalytical and sensory food science at undergraduate andpost-graduate level. This revised and updated second edition is accompanied by a newcompanion website giving the reader access to the datasets andExcel spreadsheets featured in the book. Check it out now byvisiting ahref="http://www.wiley.com/go/bower/statistical"www.wiley.com/go/bower/statistical/a orby scanning the QR code below.

Required Reading
2015-07-08 Qualitative Research from Start to Finish, Second Edition Guilford Publications
ISBN 9781462517978 ISBN-13 1462517978

This book will help readers understand the practice of qualitative research--whether they want to do it, teach it, or just learn about it. All the major research phases are encompassed (startup, design, data collection, analysis, and composing), including newly emerging trends. Numerous easy-to-read vignettes show how other scholars have successfully implemented specific procedures. Equally distinctive, the book presents qualitative research as an adaptive craft. The array of choices among different procedures and methods enables readers to customize their own studies and to accommodate different worldviews and genres. New to This Edition: *Stronger discussion of different worldviews (e.g., constructivism, postpositivism, and pragmatism) and how they relate to different methodological choices. *Clearer emphasis on doing a generalized qualitative study, while acknowledging 12 specialized genres (e.g., action-based research, arts-based research, autoethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and others). *Expanded discussions of different kinds of qualitative study samples and of mixed methods. *New ideas on how to avoid getting stalled when analyzing qualitative data. *Consideration of an additional way of concluding a qualitative study: by taking action. Pedagogical Features *Chapters start with an abstract and end with a suggested exercise. *Key terms and concepts appear in boldface throughout the text and are listed in end-of-chapter recaps as well as in the book?s glossary. *Sections within each chapter start with a preview box: ?What you should learn from this section." *An appendix presents a semester- or yearlong field-based project.

Recommended Reading
2015-10-12 Statistics for Food Scientists Academic Press
ISBN 0124171796 ISBN-13 9780124171794

The practical approached championed in this book have led to increasing the quality on many successful products through providing a better understanding of consumer needs, current product and process performance and a desired future state. In 2009, Frank Rossi and Viktor Mirtchev brought their practical statistical thinking forward and created the course "Statistics for Food Scientists". The intent of the course was to help product and process developers increase the probability of their project's success through the incorporation of practical statistical thinking in their challenges. The course has since grown and has become the basis of this book. Presents detailed descriptions of statistical concepts and commonly used statistical tools to better analyze data and interpret results Demonstrates thorough examples and specific practical problems of what food scientists face in their work and how the tools of statistics can help them to make more informed decisions Provides information to show how statistical tools are applied to improve research results, enhance product quality, and promote overall product development

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

Appetite

Advances in food and nutrition research

Trends in Food Science & Technology

Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition

International journal of food sciences and nutrition

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  

Food Quality and Preferences

Foods

Food Research International

Other Resources

https://libguides.itsligo.ie/academic-writing

https://libguides.itsligo.ie/research-skills

https://libguides.itsligo.ie/referencing

Additional Information