Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT2004: Into the Field

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

“Research methods” is a general term that alludes to practices of collecting data. A key benefit that research methods offer practitioners of social science is the opportunity to ground intellectual concerns (and often rather abstract ideas) about the social world in data collection and diverse forms of observation of the actualities of concrete social and cultural realities. This module prepares you for going 'into the field' by providing you with a range of skills needed to conceive of, design, justify, execute and report on original and independent social science research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate awareness of the various stages of the research process;
2. Think critically about different techniques of data collection and analysis;
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods;
4. Demonstrate analytical understanding of their relevance and appropriateness to different research problems;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Write effective research proposals;
6. Evaluate research proposals
Personal and Key Skills7. Develop a thought-out plan of action for future research;
8. Think about social lives in new ways;
9. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form.