Module SOCI59415: Research Design and Process

Department: Sociology

SOCI59415: Research Design and Process

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• Perspectives in Social Research (SOCI59515)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide training in research design and an understanding of the research process in preparation for the MA dissertation/Phd research and careers in social research.

Content

• Introduction.
• Formulating research questions and their relationship with research design.
• Reviewing the literature critically and its relationship to your own research.
• Designs for studying causal relations, comparing experimental with observational designs.
• Quantitative designs, particularly sampling and questionnaire designs.
• Qualitative designs, focusing on quality and rigor.
• Case studies.
• Evaluating research proposals.
• Ethical issues.
• Writing and publishing your research.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will:
• Have an understanding of how to formulate and design a research project;
• Understand the ethical, political and organisational issues involved in social research;
• Understand the processes involved in writing, publishing and presenting research findings.

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

• Through lectures, seminars, and course assessment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will have the option of submitting a short plan (up to 300 words) by the last lecture in order to receive feedbacks from the module convenor.

■ 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