Module overview
This module builds upon the material learnt in the first year in STAT1003. It aims to increase your knowledge of social science research strategies and methods of collecting data (both quantitative and qualitative). It does this by covering the whole research process from conceptualising the problem, the collection of appropriate data, analysis of that data, and then drawing conclusions to then motivate further research. More specifically it aims to enable you to undertake simple hypothesis tests for
quantitative data and to understand the uses of such tests made by researchers in the social sciences, as well as perform appropriate analysis on qualitative data. It will also introduce you to some major national data sources such as the LFS and GHS that are used for social science research.
Pre-requisite for STAT3004
One of the pre-requisites for PSYC3010
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: STAT1003 or ECON1007
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse data using the statistical package SPSS and interpret the findings.
- Core quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be delivered by a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online methods, which may include lectures, quizzes, discussion boards, workshop activities, exercises, and videos. A range of resources will also be provided for further self-directed study. Face-to-face teaching opportunities will be explored depending on circumstances and feasibility.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 40 |
| Independent Study | 110 |
| Total study time | 150 |
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
Diamond I. and Jefferies, J. (2001). Beginning Statistics: An Introduction for Social Scientists. London: Sage.
Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. London: Sage.
Assessment
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 70% |
| Coursework | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External