Module Details for SO3141 Researching Society (Part 2 HT)

Module Code

SOU33012

Module Name

Researching Society

Module Short Title

Quantitative Data

ECTS weighting

5 ECTS

Semester/term taught

Hilary Term

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module will be able to:
Design a social research project;
Formulate appropriate research questions;
Select and justify the most appropriate research method to answer particular research questions;
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods;
Distinguish and apply suitable types of analysis to varying research designs;
Apply appropriate ethical standards to research design;
Read and critically discuss published research.

Module Content

Part II of the module continues on from the introduction to quantitative methods in second year, which covered survey design, sampling, data collection techniques and basic descriptive analysis methods. The various stages of designing a quantitative research project are examined with particular focus on data analysis. As generalisations from the sample to the population are of key importance in quantitative research, statistical inference is introduced and inferential statistics are applied. This is accompanied by instruction in using SPSS software to analyse numerical data.

Recommended Reading List

• Babbie, E. et al. (2011) Adventures in Social Research, London: Sage.
• Gilbert, N. (ed) (2008) Researching Social Life, London: Sage.
• Marsh, C. and Elliott, J. (2008) Exploring Data, Cambridge: Polity Press.
• Seale, C. (ed) (2004) Researching Society and Culture, London: Sage.
• Sapsford, R. (2007) Survey Research, London: Sage

Module Co Requisite

SO2110

Assessment Details

Coursework 100%