Module SOCM020 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
SOCM020: Research Methods in the Social Sciences
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to provide a general introduction to the nature of research in the social sciences, the methods associated with such research, varying positions on the relationship between theory and method, problems of research design, and a range of relevant research skills (conducting and reporting research). Together with generic research training in quantitative and qualitative methods, this module provides you with the understanding and skills required to successfully undertake Master's level research. You will be introduced to the nature of explanation in the social sciences and to methodological issues specific to particular sub-fields. The module will further introduce you to basic principles of research design and strategy, including the formulation of researchable problems and an appreciation for alternative approaches to research. You will develop an appreciation for research ethics in the social sciences.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate comprehensive understanding and skills in conducting and communicating research in the social sciences; 2. demonstrate competency in a wide range of skills in the selection and use of differing research methods, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the relationship between empirical research and theory generation and testing; 4. demonstrate detailed knowledge and appropriate use of library resources and bibliographic aids for preparation of literature reviews; 5. develop advanced and effective writing, graphical and oral presentation skills specific to the communication of research; 6. acquire the relevant knowledge, awareness and appreciation of ethical and legal issues and procedures in social scientific research, understand the role of ethics committees, understand the ESRC's Research Ethics Framework, and relevant codes of practice relating to their own research conduct, and be able to demonstrate in practice how they will address such issues in their own research; 7. understand issues surrounding Intellectual Property Rights and Data Protection; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 8. demonstrate competence in the general management of research including setting appropriate timescales, clarifying precisely the aims and expected results of research and good time management; 9. develop and improve communication skills as demonstrated in workshop participation; 10. demonstrate skill in the use of a wide range of computer resources for bibliographic searches and in various ways of reporting research; 11. develop advanced skills required to deal with the print and broadcast media; |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structured feedback on classroom contributions | Throughout seminars | 1-11 | Oral - Meeting with module tutor |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of an agreed piece of published social science research | 20 | 2,000 words | 1-11 | Written feedback. |
| Annotated literature review (minimum 10 pieces) of an agreed topic | 20 | 2,000 words | 1-11 | Written feedback |
| Essay: research proposal | 60 | 3,000 words | 1-11 | Written feedback |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of an agreed piece of published social science research | Critical analysis of an agreed piece of published social science research (2,000 words) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
| Annotated literature review (minimum 10 pieces) of an agreed topic | Annotated literature review (minimum 10 pieces) of an agreed topic (2,000 words) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
| Essay: research proposal | Research proposal (3,000 words) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
