This module is designed to introduce students to the principles, approaches and methods associated with social research. The importance of planning when undertaking social research will be emphasised. The module will outline how the research process entails formulating research questions and hypotheses, identifying and crafting a research design, and selecting appropriate methods of data collection. The nature of quantitative and qualitative data and the basic tools of analysis associated with both, will be covered. In addition, students will learn to read and discuss work by social researchers. The final module component is to assist students to understand how to proceed from project design, to project implementation, to data analysis and reporting both qualitative and quantitative research.
- An overview of what constitutes social research and research design.
- The research question and hypothesis
- Qualitative and quantitative data
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Research approaches (action research, case study, documentary research, ethnography, and experiments)
- Sampling: non-probability and probability.
- Interviewing: structured and semi-structured.
- Questionnaires: design, piloting, fieldwork.
- Observation
- Research ethics.
- Quantitative data analysis.
- Qualitative data analysis.
- Mixed methods analysis.
- Research write up.
Lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork. Combination of group and individual work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |