Social Science Research Methods DUMF5096

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Social and Environmental Sustainability
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The course provides training in a variety of research methods and data analysis techniques. The main aim of this course is to equip students with skills to conduct research that is of high quality and impact in their chosen field.

Timetable

One hour lecture + one hour seminar once a week for 11 weeks.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Generic regulations apply

Recommended Entry Requirements

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Written assignment of 4000 words (100%)

Course Aims

This course aims to enable participants to carry out a variety of data collection strategies and to critically analyse various approaches to generating, extracting and interpreting data. Participants will investigate the role of inferential statistics in order to critically analyse the approach to using statistical methods to research questions. Participants will be given opportunities to develop skills in qualitative data gathering and analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Apply a range of collection and analysis methods and identify which are best suited to address specific research aims/questions.

■ Demonstrate critical understanding of practical issues in the research field, including ethical conduct.

■ Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues across the research process

■ Apply critical analysis to how advanced research methods might be employed within their own professional context.

■ Apply the skills and techniques learnt to their own professional field.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

 

Students must attend at least 75% of all classes.