Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSI2004: Research Design in the Social Sciences

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

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content will vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover the following themes:

-       Descriptive and causal logic in social science research.

-       The problem of causal inference.

-       Experiments: field, laboratory, and survey.

-       Survey research.

-       Natural experiments and instrumental variables.

-       Longitudinal research and difference-in-differences estimation.

-       Computational social science.

-       Mixed methods for social science research.

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
221280

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activity2211 x 2 hour lectures/workshops
Guided independent study78Reading and preparation for classes
Guided independent study50Reading, preparation and writing of the assignments

Online Resources

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