This module follows on from Foundations in Social and Criminological Research 1 in developing students' skills in research and critical thinking. The emphasis in this module is on quantitative methods: evaluating the use of quantitative research in 'real life’ contexts, and developing skills in analysing quantitative data. Students will explore descriptive statistics, the evaluation of research designs and learn how to use SPSS to handle quantitative data.
Total Hours: 150
Contact Hours - 22
Private Study - 128
BSc (Hons) Social Sciences, BA (Hons) Criminal Justice & Criminology
Main assessment methods
The module will be assessed through 100% coursework. The coursework will consist of a portfolio of 4,500 words, comprising of the following linked elements:
• A descriptive statistics project (2,500 words – 50%
• An evaluative assignment (2,000 words) – 30%
• Seminar participation – 20%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework.
Blastland, M. and A. Dilnot, The Tiger that Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers. London: Profile, 2008
Field, A., Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics: And Sex and Drugs and rock'n’roll. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2013
Gray, D.E., Doing Research in the Real World. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2013
Holt, N. and I. Walker, Research With People: Theory, Plans and Practicals. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Pallant, J., SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis Using IBM SPSS. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill, 2013
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and debates in social sciences research.
8.2 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate debates around key issues in social sciences research.
8.3 Demonstrate the ability to locate publically-available quantitative data, and to manipulate it using Excel or SPSS to produce a graph or
table.
8.4 Demonstrate the ability to analyse quantitative data using SPSS.
8.5 Evaluate quantitative and qualitative approaches to understanding the world.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Analyse and understand numerical data
9.2 Organise material and communicate it clearly
9.3 Use appropriate technologies for analysing quantitative data
9.4 Understand different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
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