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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOCM041 Module Title: PRINCIPLES OF SURVEY DESIGN
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOCM041
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: MEADOWS RA Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Autumn Semester
Assessment Pattern

Two exercises, involving the practical application of research methods covered in the course.
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Module Aims

This module will provide students with an outline of the main issues in contemporary social research methodology, with a particular focus on the design and conduct of large scale surveys. The methodological focus of the course will be underpinned by examples of substantive empirical work.
Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

  • design a questionnaire and understand the pros and cons of a range of survey designs;
  • identify sources of error in survey measurements and be aware of how they can be prevented and removed;
  • assess the quality and completeness of reporting on surveys on the basis of specific criteria;
  • obtain and report on secondary survey data.
Module Content

· survey error; threats to validity and the reliability of estimates

· unit and item non-response

· history and logic of the sample survey

· sampling theory and non-probabilistic approaches to survey design

· the art and the science of questionnaire design

· modes of data collection; self-completion; CAPI; CATI; and the Web

· causality and longitudinal research designs

· comparative survey research; measuring attitudes; concepts and indicators

· the analysis of secondary data – advantages, common problems and resources

· quality criteria in survey methods

· ethical considerations in survey research
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Selected Texts/Journals

DeVaus, D.A (2002) Surveys in Social Research, (5th Edition), London: UCL Press.

Dillman, D. (2000) Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, New Jersey: Wiley

Bryman, A (2001) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press.

Gilbert, N (ed) (2008) Researching Social Life, 3rd ed, Sage.

Groves, R. Dillman, D. Eltinge, J. L. and R. Little (eds) (2002) Survey Nonreponse New Jersey: Wiley.

Groves, R, Floyd J. Fowler, M. Couper, J.M. Lepkowski, E. Singer, and R. Tourangeau.

(2004) Survey Methodology. New Jersey: Wiley.
Last Updated
April 2011