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Quantitative Dissertation

Module description

The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, organization, analysis, and communication of an original piece of quantitative research. With guidance from academic staff at the Q-Step Centre, as well as experts in your respective disciplines (criminology, politics, or sociology), you will develop an appropriate research question and pursue independent, empirical research on an area of social science corresponding to your personal interests. In addition to consolidating your research methods and quantitative analysis skills, you will gain in-depth knowledge of a particular topic corresponding the areas of criminology, politics and international relations, or sociology. This is a unique opportunity to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the first two years of your degree to a research question that excites and fascinates you.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to use the quantitative and research methods skills acquired as part of your year 1 and year 2 core modules to answer your chosen research question. This module allows you to demonstrate and further develop skills associated with data collection (secondary or primary), data management, and the communication of quantitative information to address a research topic in our area of interest. You will have help and guidance from members of the academic staff both in terms of developing an appropriate research question and important methodological considerations of your project. The dissertation also provides you with the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of academic research in your respective discipline.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. develop your own research project on an area of social science that interests you;
• 2. consolidate key research methods and quantitative analysis skills developed in core BSc modules
• 3. enhance your research methods and quantitative analysis skills in the context of a topic that interests you;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant criminological, political, and/or sociological literature;
• 5. demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical debates related to a particular topic of interest;
• 6. collect, analyse, and present original research with reference to appropriate criminological, political, and/or sociological approaches and theories;

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 7. demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative skills to answer a relevant research question;
• 8. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation;
• 9. prepare a substantive written presentation of the materials, methods, and conclusions.

Syllabus plan

An introductory seminar will outline the process of writing the dissertation, expectations regarding standards of research, and formal requirements. It will also provide guidance as to how to find a viable topic, select a research question, and introduce you to primary and secondary data collection. You will then be assigned to thematic study groups convened by the module leader and guided by another member of staff acting as expert advisor. You will produce an initial plan and literature list in the first month of the semester and a full first draft by the first month of the second semester. Both items will be posted on ELE and you are expected to contribute to your study group's ELE blog. In the two study group meetings, you will present on your work in progress and receive feedback from the expert advisor. You will be assigned another student on whose work in progress you are expected to comment.

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

Bryan Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation (Palgrave 2014)

Kate Williams, Planning Your Dissertation (Pocket Study Skills, 2013)

Nicholas William, Your Undergraduate Dissertation (SAGE, 2013)

Key words search

Dissertation, Q-Step dissertation, BSc dissertation