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Doing Research - SOC00003I

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Haley McAvay
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

On this module you will be introduced to social science research methods. Through collaborative work in research teams you will practice both qualitative and quantitative research methods and plan your own research project.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To provide a critical introduction to a range of social science research methods.

  • To provide a foundation for designing a social science research project.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Describe and apply the key principles of social science research;

  2. Identify and appropriately respond to the ethical issues involved in undertaking social science research;

  3. Investigate social science problems through the critical application of appropriate quantitative or qualitative research techniques;

  4. Effectively search for and critically appraise published research findings;

  5. Reflect continuously on their own learning and development as part of their professional progression;

  6. Work effectively in teams to confidently and effectively present complex ideas.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessment 1 - 1000 word Research Reflection		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Assessment 3 - Research Proposal		 N/A 30
University - project
Assessment 2 - Research Portfolio		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

For the summatively assessed presentations students will be marked as a group with each member of the group receiving the same grade.

Students will be required to undertake reassessment only where they fail at the module level.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reassessment: Research Proposal		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback at University level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme by providing commentary on your work to date. So feedback means more than just written comments on written work. We aim to help you to reflect on your own learning and to feel clearer about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you informative and summative assessments. The University guidelines for feedback are available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

You will receive feedback in a number of forms:

  • On any formative (non-assessed) work, you will receive written or verbal feedback about how to improve your work (though you may not receive a mark)

  • On summative work (work that is assessed) you will receive detailed written feedback from the marker. This is intended to show areas in which you have done well, and areas in which you need to improve. Team presentations will receive feedback per group.

  • Your supervisor will also give you feedback on your work. They will be able to look across a range of your work and discuss ways in which you can build on your strengths and improve in any areas

Feedback on your summative written work is made available to you online via e:vision. You will receive an email telling you when it is ready to look at. You are then advised to take this work (printed out or on your laptop) to your regular meeting with your academic supervisor. Your supervisor will be able to look at your work with you and address any queries you have, as well as advise you on ways to improve your work.

Feedback on Exam Scripts

You can ask for feedback on your exam performance from your supervisor, who will go through your examination script(s) with you and discuss the areas in which you did well, and those in which you need to improve. However, you may not take the script away with you, or photocopy the script. If you would like to discuss your exam performance, please let your supervisor know at least two working days in advance of your meeting, so that they can make sure they have the script with them when you meet.

On this module specifically: You will receive formative feedback in E-Portfolio computer lab sessions throughout the module. These sessions will include practical advice on the completion of the E-Portfolio, as well as the opportunity to receive feedback on E-Portfolio elements from peers and teaching staff. You will receive feedback following your group presentations in the Autumn term, both formally and through the group discussions. There will also be drop-in sessions held at various points of the module for you to receive more in-depth one to one support and feedback.

Indicative reading

  • Bryman, A. (2009) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

  • Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2001) Researching Social Life (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

  • Seale, C. (ed.)(2004) Researching Society and Culture (2nd ed.) London: Sage


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.