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Into the Field

Module description

This module will introduce you to the principles of research design and methods of research inquiry that are strongly featured within the traditions of sociology and anthropology. The module focuses on learning a range of research techniques and the underpinning rationales for their use. Through lectures, working on your own and in small groups you will explore how different approaches to generating knowledge allow us to investigate the social world. Seminar discussion will enable you to compare your observations and perspectives with one another.

You will learn the essential knowledge and skills needed to conduct an empirical research study and have the opportunity to reflect upon the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to research. The assessment includes the production of a proposal for an empirical research project.

Module aims - intentions of the module

“Research methods” is a general term that alludes to practices of collecting data. A key benefit that research methods offer practitioners of social science is the opportunity to ground intellectual concerns (and often rather abstract ideas) about the social world in data collection and diverse forms of observation of the actualities of concrete social and cultural realities. This module prepares you for going 'into the field' by providing you with a range of skills needed to conceive of, design, justify, execute and report on original and independent social science research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate awareness of the various stages of the research process;
• 2. Think critically about different techniques of data collection and analysis;
• 3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods;
• 4. Demonstrate analytical understanding of the relevance and appropriateness to different research problems

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Write effective research proposals;
• 6. Evaluate research proposals;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Develop a thought-out plan of action for future research;
• 8. Think about social life in new ways;
• 9. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form.

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:

• Surveying existing research and finding your niche
• Formulating research questions / honing your argument
• Research design
• Methods of data collection
• Ethics
• Generating, handling and analyzing data
• The art of writing research proposals
• Identifying ‘good’ research

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Bernard, H. Russell 2006, Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Fourth Edition. Altamira Press.

Becker, H. S. 1986, Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article. University of Chicago Press.

Howard S. Becker, 1998, Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research While You’re Doing It. University of Chicago Press.

Berg, Bruce. 2001. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. London : Allyn & Bacon.

Blaxter, L. and C. Hughes and M. Tight. 1996. How to Research. Open University Press.

Denscombe, Martin. 1998.The Good Research Guide. Open University Press.

Gilbert, Nigel (Ed). 2008 (3rd edition). Researching Social Life. London: Sage

May, Tim. 2001 (3rd Edition). Social Research. Open University Press.

Robson, C. 2007. How to do a research project: a guide for undergraduate students. Oxford: Blackwell.

Seale, Clive (Ed), 2004 (2nd edition). Researching Society and Culture. Sage.

Key words search

Fieldwork, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, traditions, sociology, anthropology