Asking questions about society is primary to the work of a social scientist. However, how we go about asking those questions is not straightforward. When planning reliable and generalisable research many steps need to be taken to ensure robust results. This course provides students with the tools to do just that.
The course introduces students to the logic and methods of social research, including the central topics in research design, understanding the methodological choices necessary when designing social research, and the realities of ensuring ethical research from the start. Throughout this process, students will be introduced to both the positivist and critical/interpretive debates behind social research. Additionally, both qualitative and quantitative will be covered. This will prepare students to design a research proposal, including selecting appropriate methods, formulating a research plan which covers data collection and analysis, and ultimately allowing them to successfully conduct their own research.
Lecture 16, Workshop 8, Seminar 8
1,000 words Draft Qualitative research proposal at 20%
1,000 words Draft Quantitative research proposal at 20%
3,500 words Final research proposal built on previous feedback at 60%
Reassessment Method: 3,500 word research proposal (100%).
Bryman, A. 2012. Social Research Methods, 4th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Babbie, E. 2013. The Practice of Social Research.13th edition. UK: Wadsworth. Cengage learning. Diamond, I & Jefferies, J (2001). Beginning statistics : an introduction for social scientists. London: SAGE. Ragin, C. C. 1987. The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. This details the logic of using the comparative method. Abbott, Andrew. (2003). Methods of Discovery. New York: Norton. Habermas, J. (1972) Knowledge and Human Interests, London: Heinemann. King, Gary, Robert O. Keohane and Sidney Verba. 1994. Designing Social Inquiry. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On completion of the module a student should be able to:
1. Develop original ideas, based on a comprehensive knowledge of the field, on complex topics into focussed research questions that relate to an identified academic literature, aligned to appropriate research design
2. Demonstrate critical knowledge of the theoretical and methodological basis for social research, different epistemological models used in the social sciences, and rationales for combining different methods
3. Evaluate and critically reflect on the ethical issues raised by social research, both in their own and others research
4. Be able to autonomously plan, develop, and write a sophisticated research proposal that is of a standard to attract funds from social science funding agencies.
5. Be capable of critically engaging with and assess methodological choices made in published research based on a systematic understanding of appropriate research techniques.
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