Imagining Social Worlds: Social Research Methods
Module title | Imagining Social Worlds: Social Research Methods |
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Module code | SOC1053 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Credits | 15 |
Module staff | Dr Paul O'Connor (Lecturer) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 95 |
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Module description
Sociologists and anthropologists are primarily concerned with understanding the human condition. To do this, they conduct research which enable them to explore the lives, experiences, and world views of their human subjects. In this module you will receive training in academic study skills. You will become familiar with a wide range of research methods used to imagine the social worlds of the 'others' they have studied. You will systematically study the texts which social researchers produce to learn about these methods. You will also learn practical skills in conducting qualitative research interviews and how to critically engage with quantitative research evidence. There are no pre-requisites to this module
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a range of theoretical and practical issues faced by sociologists and anthropologists as they attempt to engage with and understand their human research subjects. Training in core study skills is embedded in the module. Through a focus on a broad range of anthropological and sociological texts, the module aims to teach you how to research the social world. You will also develop a foundational understanding of qualitative research methodology which can be built upon during the following years of your degree. You will be introduced to core concepts and approaches taken by quantitative researchers. As a result, this module will equip you with a foundation of analytical skills required for developing your own anthropological and sociological imagination
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative approaches in social research
- 2. Demonstrate a practical understanding of research interviewing
- 3. Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative data analysis techniques
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate an understanding of key strengths and weaknesses of qualitative social research
- 5. Critically reflect on the application of research interviewing with an aim of improving future practice
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Undertake independent study effectively
- 7. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in learning and study skills and to take action to improve your capacity to learn
- 8. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form
- 9. Work effectively as part of a team
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Introduction to Qualitative Research
- What is qualitative research?
- What does research interviewing look like?
- Asking and answering research questions with interviews
- Sampling and research ethics
- The interview in process – active listening, power relations and reflexivity
- Transcription
- Qualitative data analysis
- Interview design & development
Critically engaging with quantitative research approaches
- Measurement of social science concepts
- Samples and Populations
- Statistical summaries: averages and proportions
- Correlation and causation
- The challenges of visualising data
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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27.5 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled learning and teaching | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour per week, comprising of lectures and seminars |
Scheduled learning and teaching | 11 | 11 x 1-hour tutorials |
Guided independent study | 42 | Preparation for group projects/seminars |
Guided independent study | 51 | Researching and writing critical analysis |
Guided independent study | 35 | Researching and writing thematic analysis report |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Research report plan | 500 words | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Research report | 100 | 2,500 words | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
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Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Research report (2,500 words) | Research report (2,500 words) | 1-9 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core Texts
Lune, H., & Berg, B. L. (2017). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (9th ed). Harlow: Pearson
Magnusson, E., & Marecek, J. (2015). Doing Interview-based Qualitative Research: A Learner's Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative Interviewing. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Supplementary Texts
Alvesson, M. (2010). Interpreting Interviews. London: SAGE Publications Ltd
Boynton, P. (2016) The Research Companion: A practical guide for those in the social sciences, health and development (2nd Edition). Routledge.
Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. 2016 Researching Social Life. 4th Edition. London: Sage
Gibbs, G. (2007). Analyzing Qualitative Data.
Guest, G., MacQueen, K., & Namey, E. (2018). Applied Thematic Analysis. Sage.
Guthrie, G. (2010). Basic research methods: An entry to social science research. SAGE Publications’
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2015). Real World Research (4th edition). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Skinner, J. 2012. The Interview: An Ethnographic Approach. London: Berg.
Shon, P. C. (2015). How to read journal articles in the social sciences: A very practical guide for students (2nd edition). London: Sage.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Online Resources
UK Data Archive: http://data-archive.ac.uk/
National Centre for Research Methods: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/
The Research Companion: https://theresearchcompanion.com/resources/
Sage Method Space: https://www.methodspace.com/
Credit value | 15 |
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Module ECTS | 7.5 |
NQF level (module) | 4 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 10/12/2024 |
Last revision date | 10/12/2024 |