Research Methods in the Social Sciences
| Module title | Research Methods in the Social Sciences |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOCM019 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Alexey Bessudnov (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
Postgraduate study in the social sciences includes both comprehension of research methods and the ability to use them. 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, quantitative and digital methods within the social sciences. These range from qualitative methods such as interviews and ethnography through to quantitative methods such as surveys and experiments. There is an emphasis on both good research design and ethical research.. 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, problems of research design, and a range of relevant research skills (conducting and reporting research). Together with generic research training in quantitative, qualitative and digital methods, this module provides you with the understanding and skills required to successfully undertake postgraduate 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 methodology, including 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 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
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. develop advanced and effective writing, graphical and oral presentation skills specific to the communication of research;
- 5. acquire the relevant knowledge, awareness and appreciation of ethical and legal issues and procedures in social scientific research
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. 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;
- 7. develop team-working skills by working together on problem-based learning exercises.
Syllabus plan
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | 11 x 2 hour lectures / seminars |
| Guided Independent study | 68 | Reading and preparing for seminars |
| Guided Independent study | 30 | Paper review preparation and completion |
| Guided Independent study | 30 | Research design preparation and completion |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class discussions | Regular discussions throughout the module | 1-7 | Oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of a research paper | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
| Research design | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review of a research paper (1,500 words) | Review of a research paper (1,500 words) (50%) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Research design (1,500 words) | Research design (1,500 words) (50%) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Key words search
Methodology, Research, Social Sciences
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2012 |
| Last revision date | 17/03/2025 |
