Module GEOG2472: Social Research in Geography

Department: Geography

GEOG2472: Social Research in Geography

Prerequisites

• GEOG1222 (Introduction to Geographical Research BA) or GEOG1232 (Introduction to Geographical Research BSc) or SOCI1321 (Introduction to Research); ANTH1101 Doing Anthropological Research or SGIA1201 Research Politics and International Relations.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• GEOG2462 (Scientific Research in Geography)

Aims

• To enable students to learn the principles, practices and conceptual issues involved in:
• good research design
• rigorous data collection, construction and interpretation
• the presentation of research findings and the appraisal and critical evaluation of research will be achieved through group seminars, practicals and field work
• To enable students to acquire direct practical experience in a range of important research methods

Content

• Practical exercises on qualitative and quantitative techniques in Human Geography
• Students will choose 3 from a selection of practical exercises
• Possible examples include:
• Interviews
• Questionnaires
• GIS & Spatial Data Analysis
• Participatory Methods
• Ethnography
• Visual Methodologies
• Textual Analysis
• Group design and implementation of multi-methodological research project during Easter fieldtrip

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of methods and associated methodological issues within Human Geography

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Describe the conceptual and practical issues involved in the collection, analysis and presentation of data within a human geography research project
• Work within a group to collect, construct and interpret data relevant to posed research questions in a coherent and conceptually informed manner
• Plan a substantial piece of human geography research on an approved topic

• Data collection and analysis as above
• Project design and implementation as above

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

• Social Research in Geography uses multiple modes of teaching: lectures, practicals and fieldwork
• Lectures will be used to introduce conceptual issues in social research that will be explored in more depth in seminars
• Practicals will extend this conceptual understanding and provide students with direct experience of research design and practice in a range of methods applicable to group and independent research
• Fieldwork will develop students' understanding and experience in the design, implementation and presentation of a research project
• Students' understanding and knowledge of a range of research methods will be assessed by three practical project exercises
• Students' ability to design and conduct a conceptually informed and integrated research project will be assessed by the multi-methodological residential fieldwork project
• Important Information - note on residential fieldwork
• There is a choice of UK cities for the fieldwork component of the module. Students are expected to make their own travel arrangements (typically by train).
• Students should keep the entire 2024 Easter Vacation free and NOT make other travel plans until the sign-up for Social Research fieldtrips has been completed. Please note that the Department may not be able to offer all students their first choice of field work destination / week, and flexibility may be required around the time of sign-up.
• Social Research residential fieldwork – costs covered by student fees, except travel to and from fieldtrip destination and any spending on incidentals in the field. Fieldwork leaders will (in January 2024) inform students of the exact start and end time of each trip. This information will facilitate students being able to make timely rail bookings and ensure economical tickets can be procured.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback is provided during practical sessions, pre-fieldwork seminars, on group presentation during residential fieldtrip and on all summative coursework.

■ 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