| 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. Johnson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
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 |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Students will apply these methods and techniques in the particular context of their own discipline.
• 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.
The unit will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of lectures, group discussion and self-directed exercises.
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.
• Babbie, E (2007) The Practice of Social Research (11th ed). Belmont: Wadsworth Pub. Co. [Arts & Social Sciences H62 BAB] (Chapters 7 & 9)
• Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods [4th edition] Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Arts & Social Sciences H62 BRY] (Chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, & 15)
• Field, A (2009) Discovering Statistics using SPSS [3rd edition], London: Sage. [Arts & Social Sciences BF39 FIE] (Chapters 1& 2)
Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2008) Researching Social Life [third edition], London: Sage. [Arts & Social Sciences HM48 RES](Chapters 2, 3, 5, 6 &16)
