Course overview
This seminar builds on knowledge gained at undergraduate level about the principles, processes and practices of social research. It aims to deepen student's understanding of the practical, epistemological and ethical aspects of social research, and to prepare graduate students for fieldwork. A selection of topics has been chosen that cover major social research methods. The course will provide students with an understanding of the practical aspects of doing social research from writing a literature review to preparing a research proposal, choosing a research method and writing up a thesis, as well as allowing an opportunity for students to critically discuss the data collection/generation process, subjectivity and reflexivity, and the conduct of ethical behaviour from recruitment to representation of research participants.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify the main research designs, theories, methods and forms of analysis used in the social sciences.
- Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and synthesise literature related to a research question.
- Critically analyse and demonstrate an ability to formulate viable research questions.
- Demonstrate an understanding and ability to undertake the range of tasks necessary to completing a research project.
- Identify and engage with the range of ethical issues involved in the conduct of a research project.
- Show an understanding of cross cultural contexts and the nuances/implications of cross cultural research.
- Demonstrate skills in using online data bases and software.
- Demonstrate high level written and verbal communication skills.