Introduction to Social Research
SO2310 Introduction to Social Research (10 ECTS credits)
Lecturer(s): Dr Antje Röder and Dr Anne Holohan
Lectures and Tutorials:
Two lectures and one tutorial per week
Module Content/Outline:
This module is designed to introduce students to the principles and methods of quantitative (Part I) and qualitative research (Part II). This module has several primary objectives: one goal is to familiarise students with the different methods employed in quantitative and qualitative research. The second is to provide a number of practical, applied tools during the course of the two semesters and to give students an opportunity to practice and implement these tools. The fourth is to read and discuss work by quantitative and qualitative researchers, especially focusing on the lessons they learned and the challenges they faced. The final goal is to help students understand how to move from project design, to project implementation, to data analysis and reporting in both quantitative and qualitative research.
Learning Objectives:
Students successfully completing the module should be able to:
- describe the range of tools used in quantitative and qualitative social research;
- select and apply appropriate research methods for investigating social phenomena;
- assess the strength and weaknesses of selected methodologies;
- collect, analyse and report quantitative and qualitative data appropriately;
- summarise and critically discuss sociological research reports and publication
Lectures &Tutorials/ Contact hours:
Two lectures and one tutorial per week.
Workload:
Lectures: 44 hrs; Tutorials: 22 hrs; Exams/assignments: 44 hrs; Self-study: 140 hrs. Total: 250 hours
Recommended Texts/ Key Reading:
The main textbook recommended for purchase is:
- Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press (4th edition).
Other key texts:
- Babbie, E. (2007) The Practice of Social Research, 11th ed., Thousand Oaks: Wadsworth.
- De Vaus, D.A. (2002) Surveys in Social Research, 5th ed., Crows Nest: Allen &Unwin
- Scheper-Hughes, Nancy (2001) Saints, Scholars and Schizophrenics, Berkeley: University of California Press.
- Whyte, William (1993) Street Corner Society: Social Structure of an Italian Slum. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Hochschild, Arlie (2003) The Second Shift London: Penguin
Assessment
- Part I: Assessed by coursework (50%)
- Part II: Examination (50%); the exam will cover the material from the second half of the course, i.e. qualitative methods
- Penalties for late submission: Without an authorised extension, the mark given will be lowered by one grade
- Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. Failure to attend at least half of the tutorials will automatically result in a 10% deduction (one full grade) from the overall module grade.