This module covers a diversity of methods and design issues that inform social science allied research. The aim of this module is to ensure competency in the main social science research approaches, methods and survey instruments so that students can reflect critically on how different methods are implemented within a range of interdisciplinary contexts. The module will begin with a broad overview of 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. Subsequent sessions will introduce individual methods such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, questionnaire surveys, focus groups, collection of life histories and narrative material. Topics will also include processing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. Specific training in the design and use of a range of research instruments will be provided. Towards the end of the module, we will examine the principles of integrated research design and mixed-methods approaches. The approaches covered within this module will feed directly into preparation and implementation of social science methods for research dissertation projects.
Private Study: 117 hours
Contact Hours: 33 hours
Total: 200 hours
Compulsory for:
MSc Conservation Science and pathways
MSc Ethnobotany
Empirical report 1 (1800 words) 40%
Empirical report 2 (2200 words) 60%
Reassessment:
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The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
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;
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of methodological issues in social science, including ethics, researcher subjectivity, response biases, triangulation and sampling, and mixed-methods approaches;
Demonstrate a practical 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 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.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of how social science aspects of research projects need to be designed, analysed and reported.
Present a written report containing balanced arguments supported by quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Acquire key transferable skills through written communication of social science methods.
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