Module HUSS2101: METHODS AND ANALYSIS I: RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS2101: METHODS AND ANALYSIS I: RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• Full-time students: Methods and Analysis II. Part-time students will be guided by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To inform students about the research techniques of social and biological anthropology and to equip them to undertake the second year group project and the Level 3 dissertation.

Content

• In the first term a two hour lecture-based forum will be used to teach and examine research methods in social and biological anthropology.
• This will include talks from staff members about their research experiences in order to give students a 'taste' of anthropological fieldwork of a type that they will not themselves experience as undergraduates.
• Basic qualitative methodologies that will be covered include interviewing, case studies and participant observation.
• Students will be introduced to quantitative techniques such as the use of questionnaires in surveys and biological methods such as anthropometrics.
• We will also spend time discussing basic research and writing skills so that students understand how to structure the research process and how to report their findings for the project undertaken for Methods and Analysis II.
• Starting the second term, an introductory statistics course will be taught, incorporating computer-based classes on the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have knowledge of the ways in which practising anthropologists use a variety of data collection methods, including questionnaires, interviews and participant/direct observation; they will learn about the application of research ethics and the ways in which quantitative data is stored and analysed.
• have experienced the advantages and challenges of groupwork.

• Students will learn: to use the key methods of data collection in social and biological anthropology including, interviewing, questionnaires, participant and direct observation and anthropometry.
• to identify the major ethical issues arising from any particular anthropological research project.
• to use SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).
• how to carry out relevant and thorough literature searches.
• how to structure a research report.

• have learned how to work cooperatively in a group based research project.
• have learn't further skills in group-based presentations.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures.
• Tutorials
• Short Answer Assignments
• Examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Worked examples in lectures and practicals; feedback given by peers and tutors

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University