CE5260: Research Methods
| School | Continuing and Professional Education |
| Department Code | LEARN |
| Module Code | CE5260 |
| External Subject Code | 100505 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Ms Janet Stephens |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2019/0 |
Outline Description of Module
This module introduces students to ideas and debates from key areas of social science research methods. The main uses, benefits and drawbacks of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are outlined and explained. To bring theory and research together, topics are explained through a key piece of research. Among the topics explored are Crime and Criminology and crime statistics; Health and randomised control trials (RCT); Social Psychology and behavioural studies; Gender and Identity and visual studies; globalisation and the use of social media in social science research.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Understand and describe the main uses, benefits and drawbacks of:
Qualitative research, quantitative research, mixed methods in social science
research
Understand issues related to social science research, including ethics
Apply critical thinking to research concepts and design
How the module will be delivered
The course will be taught through a mix of lectures and seminars (tutor led small group work; student led discussions).
Skills that will be practised and developed
Study skills appropriate to level 4 students new to HE research:
- Independent study and learning time management
- Identifying types of social science research methods
- Library research and sourcing appropriate references
- Citing references
How the module will be assessed
Research methods portfolio: Research design, literature review
Type of assessment % Contribution Title Duration (if applicable) Approx. date of Assessment
Research methods portfolio 100% Week 10
The potential for reassessment in this module
Students will have the opportunity to re-work and re-submit their portfolio if necessary. An end of unit test can be made available.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Research Methods Portfolio | N/A |
Syllabus content
Introducing Social Science research methods - module overview
Research methods - introduction to the use of statistics in social science
Crime and Criminology – the use of crime statistics / victimisation and interview data collection
Qualitative methods – interviews and focus groups
Gender and identity – new methods in data collection – visual methods
Social research in the 21st century – use of social media
Essential Reading and Resource List
Indicative Reading and Resource List:
Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods (5th edition) Oxford: Oxford University Press – ASSL and Bute Library
Fulcher, J. and Scott, J. (2011) Sociology (4th edition) Oxford: Oxford University Press – Senghennydd Library and other locations
Macionis, J. & Plummer, K. (2012) Sociology: A Global Introduction (5th edition) London: Prentice Hall – available as ebook