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Social Research Methods - SPY00012I

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Lisa O'Malley
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module will run

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

Module aims

  • To understand the principles of social research and related philosophical debates,
  • To appreciate the range of methods used for social research,
  • To acquire skills in the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques of research,
  • To judge what methods and techniques are appropriate to particular research problems, and
  • To develop their critical abilities to appraise published research findings.

Module learning outcomes

  • To understand the basic principles of social research
  • To appreciate the scope and range of qualitative methods and quantitative survey strategies
  • To gain an understanding of the use and relevance of social research for social policy
  • To be aware of the ethics and politics of carrying out social research
  • To develop quantitative and qualitative research skills
  • To gain some hands on experience of qualitative methods
  • To acquire some skills in quantitative data analysis
  • To use a standard statistical software package (SPSS)
  • To acquire some skills in qualitative data analysis
  • To manage a simple, clean, medium-sized dataset and write up results clearly

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Learning Log		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Research Design		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Workshop Tasks		 N/A 30

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Learning Log		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Research Design		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Workshop Tasks		 N/A 30

Module feedback

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Indicative reading

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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.