Module SOC2004 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC2004: Into the Field
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. 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 the relevance and appropriateness to different research problems |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 5. Write effective research proposals; 6. Evaluate research proposals; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Develop a thought-out plan of action for future research; 8. Think about social life in new ways; 9. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form. |
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Bernard, H. Russell 2006, Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Fourth Edition. Altamira Press.
Becker, H. S. 1986, Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article. University of Chicago Press.
Howard S. Becker, 1998, Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research While You’re Doing It. University of Chicago Press.
Berg, Bruce. 2001. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. London : Allyn & Bacon.
Blaxter, L. and C. Hughes and M. Tight. 1996. How to Research. Open University Press.
Denscombe, Martin. 1998.The Good Research Guide. Open University Press.
Gilbert, Nigel (Ed). 2008 (3rd edition). Researching Social Life. London: Sage
May, Tim. 2001 (3rd Edition). Social Research. Open University Press.
Robson, C. 2007. How to do a research project: a guide for undergraduate students. Oxford: Blackwell.
Seale, Clive (Ed), 2004 (2nd edition). Researching Society and Culture. Sage.
