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Introduction to Social Research Methods - MAN00166M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Simon Mollan
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module enables students to gain an understanding of the principles of social research as part of the wider context of social inquiry including related methodological and ethical debates from both generic social science and management studies perspectives.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module enables students to gain an understanding of the principles of social research as part of the wider context of social inquiry including related methodological and ethical debates from both generic social science and management studies perspectives. The module addresses the historical development of social research considering anthropological, sociological and psychological perspectives and landmark studies across multiple disciplines and methodologies. It considers the political, ethical and legal dimensions of, and power relationships within, the research process. It examines fundamental issues of research design including: the philosophy of social science research; the use of multiple methods, including the use of case studies, focus groups, the design and implementation of surveys and questionnaires, working with archives, databases, surveys and official statistics. The module will also address research writing, dissemination and the nature of impact.

Module learning outcomes

Successful completion of the module will demonstrate that students are able to:

  • Outline the main threads of development in social science since the 19th century
  • Describe the main characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research designs
  • Construct an answerable research question
  • Select the appropriate research design for a research problem
  • Comprehend and use the language and terminology of social research

Module content

  • Historical development of social and management research
  • Political, legal and ethical issues in the research process
  • Power relationships in the research process
  • General Principles of Research Design
  • Survey and questionnaire design
  • Action research, practice and Impact
  • Focus Groups
  • Case Studies
  • Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
  • Using Archives, Databases, Surveys and Official Statistics

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Students will receive feedback in line with SBS policy.

Indicative reading

Clark, Tom, Liam Foster, and Alan Bryman. 2019. How to Do Your Social Research Project Or Dissertation. Oxford University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.