Module: SOC5001-20 Social Science Research Methods

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  Andrew Smart

Module Tutor Contact Details: A.Smart@bathspa.ac.uk

Please note that this module is a pre-requisite for the Level 6 module CRI6002-40  Dissertation in Criminology and SOC6002-40 Dissertation in Sociology. 

1. Brief description and aims of module:

We are surrounded by competing claims about what is true, and it is increasingly difficult to tell the good data from the bad, the trustworthy sources from the untrustworthy. In this module you will learn how to create valid and reliable social science data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. You will also learn how to make judgements about the quality of published social science research. By the end of the module you will be better able to conduct research that is academically sound and ethically sensitive, and more effective at evaluating the worth of other people’s research. The knowledge and experience you will gain from this module could be invaluable in other parts of your degree course (when you need to critically evaluate source material, and for conducting your final year dissertation). Looking further forward, the skills that you will learn here could be the foundation for a career in social administration and policy; public relations, organisational or marketing research; or research in local or national government, or in academia.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

• Philosophies of social science research;

• Values in social science research, research integrity and ethics

• Research designs, methods and sampling for quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method research

• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis

• Concepts for evaluating quality and critical evaluation skills

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Teaching and learning is centred upon core readings (listed on Minerva) and the module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and worklshops. Lectures will be used to convey key information, and consider examples of social science research. Seminars and workshops will be practical and interactive (including discussion, debate and individual/ group problem-solving tasks). Where necessary, seminars and workshops will be scheduled in ICT suites.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio (3000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Critical evaluation (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%