Quantitative research is a vital part of social science. Without understanding quantitative research and quantitative evidence, a substantial fraction of the social scientific literature will be closed to you. This module will teach you how to conduct quantitative research in the social sciences and how to interpret the findings of quantitative research.
You will learn the fundamental principles that lie behind statistics and statistical techniques. You will also learn how to produce descriptive statistics, and how to use statistical techniques to examine relationships between social variables. You will also learn how to use regression methods to answer causal research questions.
By completing this module you will be equipped both to interpret quantitative research conducted by others, and to carry out your own quantitative studies and describe them in a scientific format. You will also understand the limits of statistical techniques and what different kind of claims are (and are not) warranted by different kinds of statistical evidence.
The skills you learn on this module are highly sought after in the job market, in particular the ability to apply them to real life scenarios, and critically assessing which quantitative methods work to study a particular issue arising in your job. At Kent we are a leading social research methods team, working with government, third sector and private sector organisations who seek students with these skills.
Lecture 10, Workshop 22
Methods of Social research MA Two year Master's in Methods of Social Research MA Option module for other SSPSSR taught MAs
3,000 words Research Project Report at 60%
3 x Moodle Quizzes worth 10% each Moodle quizzes at 30%
10-15 minute presentation Presentation at 10%
Reassessment Method: Single instrument100% written assessment (3,000 words)
Field, A.P. (2013) Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS: (and sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll). Fourth Edition. UK: Sage. Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS Survival Manual, 4th edition, McGaw-Hill. Bryman and Cramer (2011) Quantitative Data Analysis with SPSS: A Guide for Social Scientists, Taylor & Francis.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate the conceptual basis of quantitative research, including its strengths and limitations
2) Demonstrate a comprehensive and advanced understanding of the core statistical techniques required to conduct quantitative research in the social sciences.
3) Practically and systematically apply core statistical techniques using widely available statistical software tools
4) Critically communicate the results of quantitative research clearly, correctly, and with integrity, both orally and in writing
5) Work in a self-directed way to produce valid, original quantitative research
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