Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and
assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in
place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
Unit name |
Investigating the Social |
Unit code |
SOCI20064 |
Credit points |
20 |
Level of study |
I/5
|
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
Unit director |
Dr. Sveta Milyaeva |
Open unit status |
Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None
|
Co-requisites |
None
|
School/department |
School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit aims to introduce students to a wide range of issues of concern to social researchers and will give an overview of some of the different kinds of empirical research methods that are available to social scientists. It aims to give students some initial experience of planning and carrying out research, and to alert them to the problems that arise in the generation, interpretation and evaluation of evidence. The unit covers a range of qualitative methods including observation and interviewing, and quantitative menthods, such as survey research.
Aims:
- To provide an overview of the range of research methods available to sociologists;
- To introduce students to practical research skills as a basis for future learning;
- To provide sufficient knowledge for students to select appropriate research methods for particular projects, especially their dissertation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to
- Critically discuss the issues involved in the generation, interpretation and evaluation of evidence
- Indicate competence and some experience in the design and implementation of techniques appropriate to small-scale research
- Demonstrate competence in the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative research data
- Demonstrate ability in the dissemination of research findings via written report.
Teaching Information
2 hours of lectures and 1 hour seminar.
Assessment Information
Summative: 25% literature review (1500 words) and 75% report of research findings (3000 words)
Reading and References
- Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Methods Oxford University Press.
- Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2001) Researching Social Life London: Sage Publications.
- Seale, C. (ed.) (2004) Researching Society and Culture London: Sage Publications.
- May, T. (2001) Social Research, 3rd Edition, Open University Press.