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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOCM042 Module Title: RESEARCH: FROM DESIGN TO DISSEMINATION
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOCM042
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: GREEN NC Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Autumn Semester
Assessment Pattern

Individual assessment is a composite of marks awarded for:

· a 1000 word critical reflection on a methodological aspect of research design (20%)

· a conference presentation reporting on the collaborative project (40%)

· a research management diary (20%)

· peer and tutor assessment component (20%)
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Module Aims

This core module is designed to develop students’ research skills through the design and conduct of a small-scale collaborative research project. The practical experience on the project is also supported through specific training in research-based skills and professional development. Students not only gain experience in the planning, carrying out and writing up of an original piece of social research, but are also given the opportunity to develop their presentation skills through the reporting of the research and findings at the Departmental Day Conference.

The module therefore has two complementary programmes of study – a structured formal teaching curriculum, and a programme of supported collaborative research group meetings.
Learning Outcomes

Having completed this module, students will:

understand the practices and procedures involved in initiating and managing a research project

understand the principles underlying the research design process

understand the epistemological rationales underlying the variety of techniques that are commonly used in contemporary social research;

have gained experience of working on a research project in a collaborative environment

have had the opportunity to develop social research skills in a fieldwork setting

understand the practical and procedural aspects of different forms of research writing and reporting, including research reports, dissertations, peer reviewed publications, and presentation in a conference setting.
Module Content
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Selected Texts/Journals

Blaxter, L; Hughes, C and Tight, M (2001) How to Research, 2nd Edition OUP

Gilbert, Nigel (ed.) (2006) From postgraduate to social scientist: a guide to key skills. London: Sage.

Howard, K and Sharp, J (1983) Management of a student research project, Gower

Mason, J (1996) Qualitative Researching, Sage

Becker, H (1986) Writing for Social Scientists, University of Chicago Press

Seale, C (ed) (1998) Researching Society and Culture, Sage.

Tarling, R (2006) Managing Social Research, Routledge.
Last Updated
April 2011