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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: SOC3006 Module Title: ASPECTS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOC303
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: BURNINGHAM KA Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 20 Number of ECTS credits: 10
 
Module Availability
Year
Assessment Pattern

Two essays of 2,000 words (25% each), plus an end of year examination (50%).
Module Overview

This module extends and consolidates the knowledge of social research methodology gained by students during their first and second years, and during their placement year, by examining a series of issues relating to the theory and practice of social research.  It is also intended to increase students’ effectiveness as professional social researchers.

 

 

1.    Conceptualisation and measurement in sociological research

 

 

2.    Sampling social minorities

 

 

3.    Ethical and political dimensions of social research

 

 

4.    Issues in cross-cultural, comparative and historical research

 

 

5.    Understanding and explanation in sociological research: causal analysis and verstehen

 

 

6.    Multi-method research

 

 

7.    Philosophical bases of research methods

 

 

8.    The uses of sociological research

 

 
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Module Aims
Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, students should:

 

(a)   Have acquired a greater familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research design and data collection;

 

(b)   Be apprised of issues related to ethics, sensitive research and the impact of social research on public policy;

 

(c)   Have some knowledge of issues in comparative social research;

 

(d)   Be acquainted with some of the main issues in the philosophy of social explanation.

 

 
Module Content

1.    Conceptualisation and measurement in sociological research

 

2.    Sampling social minorities

 

3.    Ethical and political dimensions of social research

 

4.    Issues in cross-cultural, comparative and historical research

 

5.    Understanding and explanation in sociological research: causal analysis and verstehen

 

6.    Multi-method research

 

7.    Philosophical bases of research methods

 

8.    The uses of sociological research

 
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Lectures
Selected Texts/Journals

Selected References

 

Bryman A, (1989), Quantity and Quality in Social Research, Unwin Hyman

 

Bulmer M and Warwick D P, (eds), (1993), Social Research in Developing Countries:

 

Censuses and Surveys in the Third World , UCL Press

 

Bulmer M, (ed), (1983), Social Research Ethics, Macmillan

 

Bulmer, M, (ed), Sociological Research Methods, Macmillan

 

Burgess R, (ed), (1986), Key Variables in Social Investigation, Routledge

 

Hollis M, (1994), The Philosophy of Social Science: An Introduction, Cambridge University Press

 

Homan R, (1991), The Ethics of Social Research, Longmans

 

Lee R, (1993), Doing Research on Sensitive Topics, Sage

 

Lieberson. D. (1985) Making it Count: the improvement of social research and theory, University of California Press

 

Ragin C C, (1994), Constructing Social Research, Pine Forge Press

 

Ragin C C and Becker H, (eds), (1992), What is a Case?  Exploring the Foundations of

 

Social Inquiry, Cambridge University Press

 

Scott R and Shore R, (1980), Why Sociology does not apply: A study of the use of Sociology in Public Policy

 

Skocpol T, (1991), Vision and Method in Historical Sociology, C.U.P.

 

 
Last Updated

September 2010