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Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Module description

Postgraduate study in the social sciences includes both comprehension of research methods and the ability to use them yourself. But how do you know which method to pick? Can you avoid common problems at the data collection stage? How do you conduct high quality analyses? This module offers an overview of the main qualitative and quantitative methods within the social sciences.  These range from qualitative methods such as ethnography/participant observation, through to quantitative methods such as surveys. There is an emphasis on both good research design and ethical research, with opportunities for you to apply the techniques learned to their own research projects through an interactive workshop format. There are no requirements in terms of previous research methods training.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide a general introduction to the nature of research in the social sciences, the methods associated with such research, varying positions on the relationship between theory and method, problems of research design, and a range of relevant research skills (conducting and reporting research). Together with generic research training in quantitative and qualitative methods, this module provides you with the understanding and skills required to successfully undertake Master's level research. You will be introduced to the nature of explanation in the social sciences and to methodological issues specific to particular sub-fields. The module will further introduce you to basic principles of research design and strategy, including the formulation of researchable problems and an appreciation for alternative approaches to research. You will develop an appreciation for research ethics in the social sciences.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. demonstrate comprehensive understanding and skills in conducting and communicating research in the social sciences;
• 2. demonstrate competency in a wide range of skills in the selection and use of differing research methods, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 3. demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the relationship between empirical research and theory generation and testing;
• 4. demonstrate detailed knowledge and appropriate use of library resources and bibliographic aids for preparation of literature reviews;
• 5. develop advanced and effective writing, graphical and oral presentation skills specific to the communication of research;
• 6. acquire the relevant knowledge, awareness and appreciation of ethical and legal issues and procedures in social scientific research, understand the role of ethics committees, understand the ESRC's Research Ethics Framework, and relevant codes of practice relating to their own research conduct, and be able to demonstrate in practice how they will address such issues in their own research;
• 7. understand issues surrounding Intellectual Property Rights and Data Protection;

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 8. demonstrate competence in the general management of research including setting appropriate timescales, clarifying precisely the aims and expected results of research and good time management;
• 9. develop and improve communication skills as demonstrated in workshop participation;
• 10. demonstrate skill in the use of a wide range of computer resources for bibliographic searches and in various ways of reporting research;
• 11. develop advanced skills required to deal with the print and broadcast media;

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: Overview of methodological concerns in the social sciences; questions of research design, role of theory and evidence; values and ethics in social science research.
• Theory and evidence: lecture and seminar discussion. The relationship between social theory and social research; uses of theory in quantitative and qualitative research.
• Subject specific seminar and workshop sessions on methodological strategies and debates:  examining links between different disciplines and methodologies (e.g. anthropology and ethnography)
• Seminar and workshop sessions on research design: define and formulate research problems and questions; rationale and selection of appropriate research methods, in particular quantitative and qualitative methods; introduction to research management strategies; understanding different forms of sampling, sampling error and potential biases in the interpretation of research finding; understanding and applying concepts of generalisability, validity, reliability and replicability and different perspectives on how these may be defined.
• Seminar and workshop sessions on skills relevant to research in social science and interdisciplinary subjects, including library and bibliographic, data sharing requirements and implications for research design and practice,  introduction to computing skills, and communicating research.
• Seminar and workshop on ethics: introduction to ethical issues in social science research; ESRC's Research Ethics Framework; NHS research ethics procedures.

The assignments in this module will allow you to focus on a topic and research related to your specific sub-field and dissertation topic relevant to your postgraduate study

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

Principles of Research Design in the Social Sciences, F Bechhofer, Routledge 2000

Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research, J Creswell & V Plano Clark, Sage 2007

Researching Social Life, Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. Sage, 2016

Theory and Methods in Social Research, Somekh, B. and Lewin, C. Blackwell, 2011

Key words search

Methodology, Research, Sociology