Research Methods in The Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Core quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences
• Analyse data using the statistical package SPSS and interpret the findings.

This module will start with a broad introduction to research methods within the social sciences focusing on the roles of both quantitative and qualitative methods. It will then move on to basic

designs for collecting quantitative data concentrating on probability sampling designs (SRS, stratification, clustering) and non-probability designs (snowball, quota) as well as the design of the questionnaire. This will be followed by quantitative methods of analysis covering basic hypothesis tests for means, proportions and tables (with application using SPSS) and finish with an introduction to simple linear regression concentrating on the interpretation of the model and testing its significance. The final part will cover the use of qualitative methods including focus groups and in-depth interviews, and the analysis of them, within the context of both informing the quantitative analysis as well as

adding depth and understanding to quantitative analysis that has already been undertaken.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be via a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer worksheets with optional computer drop-in sessions. Learning activities will include learning in lectures, discussing problems during tutorials, as well as by independent study.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

SPSS. You will require access to the SPSS software, which is available on the University’s computer workstations. Note that this software is available for download to your own computer for use with your studies

Textbooks

Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. London: Sage.

Diamond I. and Jefferies, J. (2001). Beginning Statistics: An Introduction for Social Scientists. London: Sage.

Assessment strategy

The examination covers the whole syllabus - research designs, the application of quantitative methods, and qualitative methods. It will include interpretation of SPSS output.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External