Unit information: Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (SPS) in 2022/23

Unit name	Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (SPS)
Unit code	SPOLM0015
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Phil Sayer
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences Core Skills in Educational Research Understanding Educational Research
Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Unit Information

• To provide a philosophical appreciation of the underpinnings of quantitative research methods
• To develop a critical understanding of the potential of various quantitative methodologies and key epistemological and methodological ‘problems’ raised in quantitative methodologies
• To introduce ethical, political and value concerns arising from the interpretation and analysis of quantitative data
• To develop students’ understanding of the application, strengths and weaknesses of a range of quantitative methods and develop basic skills in the use of quantitative research techniques

Students will apply these methods and techniques in the particular context of their own discipline.

Your learning on this unit

• Module specific details
• Develop a philosophical appreciation of the underpinnings or quantitative research methods.
• A critical understanding of and the ability to apply to their own work, the appropriate uses, strengths and weaknesses of quantitative methods.
• Ability to evaluate the research practice, data and interpretations of others.
• Sensitivity to ethical, political and value concerns in quantitative research.
• Appreciation of a reflexive approach to social science research.
• Demonstrate basic skills in the use of quantitative research techniques.
• Discipline specific skills
• Develop an appreciation of the philosophical underpinning of quantitative approaches in relation to the discipline.
• Understand how quantitative research can address specific challenges within a disciplinary context.
• Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of quantitative methods used in the discipline.
• Understand how quantitative methods are used in the discipline and gain an overview of some current quantitative research examples within the discipline.
• Develop an understanding of discipline specific ethical, political and value issues, related to quantitative research.
• Personal and key skills.
• Critical analysis.
• Ability to reflect on personal/ethical issues raised in quantitative research.
• Team work.
• Presentation skills.

The summative assessment tests all of the ILOs and accounts for 100% of the unit mark.

How you will learn

The unit will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of lectures, group discussion and self-directed exercises.

How you will be assessed

Formative Group presentation 15 mins Personal and key skills Principles of Quantitative research design Verbal

Formative (alternative) Essay 1500 words Principles of Quantitative research design Written

Summative 100% Essay 4,000 words Module and discipline specific skills Written

Summative (alternative)100% Essay + Research design 2,500 words + 1,500 words Module and discipline specific skills Written

Summative (alternative)100% Analysis of (primary or secondary) data set 4,000 words Module and discipline specific skills Written

The choice between summative assessment options will be negotiated with the Unit Tutor

The summative assessment tests all of the ILOs and accounts for 100% of the unit mark.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0015).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.