Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSI3019: Quantitative Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to use the quantitative and research methods skills acquired as part of your year 1 and year 2 core modules to answer your chosen research question. This module allows you to demonstrate and further develop skills associated with data collection (secondary or primary), data management, and the communication of quantitative information to address a research topic in our area of interest. You will have help and guidance from members of the academic staff both in terms of developing an appropriate research question and important methodological considerations of your project. The dissertation also provides you with the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of academic research in your respective discipline.

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. develop your own research project on an area of social science that interests you;
2. consolidate key research methods and quantitative analysis skills developed in core BSc modules
3. enhance your research methods and quantitative analysis skills in the context of a topic that interests you;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant criminological, political, and/or sociological literature;
5. demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical debates related to a particular topic of interest;
6. collect, analyse, and present original research with reference to appropriate criminological, political, and/or sociological approaches and theories;
Personal and Key Skills7. demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative skills to answer a relevant research question;
8. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation;
9. prepare a substantive written presentation of the materials, methods, and conclusions.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

An introductory seminar will outline the process of writing the dissertation, expectations regarding standards of research, and formal requirements. It will also provide guidance as to how to find a viable topic, select a research question, and introduce you to primary and secondary data collection. You will then be assigned to thematic study groups convened by the module leader and guided by another member of staff acting as expert advisor. You will produce an initial plan and literature list in the first month of the semester and a full first draft by the first month of the second semester. Both items will be posted on ELE and you are expected to contribute to your study group's ELE blog. In the two study group meetings, you will present on your work in progress and receive feedback from the expert advisor. You will be assigned another student on whose work in progress you are expected to comment.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
112890

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity42 x 2hr sessions. 1. Introductory seminar will outline the process of writing the dissertation, expectations for the dissertation, and guidance on selecting a research question. 2. Introductory seminar on data collection strategies.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2Supervision meetings with module leader and supervisor.
Scheduled learning and teaching activity4Study Groups. Students will then be assigned to thematic study groups convened by the module leader and guided by another member of staff acting as expert advisor. In the two study group meetings, students will present on their work in progress and receive feedback from the expert advisor. Each student will be assigned another student on whose work in progress they are expected to comment.
Guided independent study40Development of initial plan and literature list
Guided independent study120Dissertation research and production of first draft of dissertation.
Guided independent study10Preparing presentations of research-in-progress for study group meetings.
Guided independent study120Completion of final dissertation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).