Understanding people within a conservation context has never been more important. Given the importance of but also the complexity of our society, how should we process social science information to reach meaningful conclusions? You’ll be introduced to a range of methods and design issues essential for social science allied research. You’ll gain competency in the main social science research approaches, methods and survey instruments so that you can reflect critically on how different methods are applied within a range of interdisciplinary contexts. We start by exploring social science approaches to research, highlighting contrasts between realist, critical realist and constructionist philosophies, differences with standard natural science techniques, ethics, and the qualitative-quantitative divide. We’ll move on to consider individual methods such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, questionnaire surveys, focus groups, collection of life histories and narrative material. You’ll gain knowledge and expertise in processing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. You’ll receive specific training in the design and use of a range of research instruments. Then you will examine the principles of integrated research design and mixed methods approaches, ensuring that the knowledge you’ve gained directly supports your dissertation research.
Lectures 12, Seminars 20
The module is compulsory for the following courses
MSc Conservation Science
This module is not available as an optional module
Report. Assessment Details: Empirical report 1,800 words worth 40%.
Report. Assessment Details: Empirical report 2,200 words worth 60%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for- like (different topic choice where specified).
.The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
apply advanced principles, concepts, theoretical frameworks to demonstrate critical awareness of different research paradigms, including different strategies and designs for quantitative and qualitative approaches, including a systematic understanding of the relative merits of each and their use in relevant contexts
Systematically synthesize advanced and specialist information to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of methodological issues in social science, including ethics, researcher subjectivity, response biases, triangulation and sampling, and mixed-methods approaches
Formulate and develop innovative and practical approaches to understanding of a range of specific data collection methods such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, collection of life histories and questionnaires used in the social sciences
Demonstrate a comprehensive and advanced understanding of the principles of analysis and presentation of qualitative data (through textual narrative, the use of quotations, coding and contingency tables) and quantitative data (through descriptive statistics)
Present analysed data within the framework of a formal report and be able to define and critically evaluate conclusions from the analyses.
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