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 Academic Year: | 2016/7 |
| Owning Department/School: | Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (units for MRes programmes) |
| Credits: | 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 120 |
| Level: | Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | ES 100% |
| Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | |
| Description:
| Aims: The course aims to: * critically introduce the epistemological and methodological traditions in social research and the basic principles of social research design; * critically introduce key epistemological aspects of the relationship between measurement and meaning; * critically introduce the ethical and policy issues surrounding the practice of social research; * introduce key skills for designing, organising a research project and collecting data; conducting critical reviews of published research; and disseminating and communicating research. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course students are expected to: in terms of Knowledge and Understanding: * understand the significance and rationales of alternative epistemological paradigm, research methodologies and modes of social scientific enquiry * understand the principles of alternative research designs and corresponding techniques of social analysis * understand the social, political and ethical context of the social research process in terms of Intellectual competence * have developed their capacity in problem solving, conceptualising the dimensions of a problem and operationalising its key parameters * understand the contextual character of methods and how they become established as definitive of a discipline or of research fields within a discipline in terms of Professional and Practical competence * be able to evaluate research, including undertaking refereeing and book reviews; * be able to organise a research project and collect data using a variety of methods including using Internet-based tools, as well as generate data * understand issues posed by social research in relation to ethics, confidentiality and legality * respect, consider and attend to the rights of other researchers and research participants; * develop their competence in formulating research proposals for external funding and complete end-of-award reports to sponsors; in terms of transferable/Key skills * develop their competence in critical oral argumentation, particularly in terms of the application of complex general principles to particular practical situations * develop their competence in effective writing, presentation and dissemination of research findings to practitioners and lay audiences; * develop career management skills, including skills in using new technologies for obtaining information about new career opportunities, evaluation of personal and career development needs, self-promotion and marketing. Skills: During the course students are expected to develop their skills in the following areas: * Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays) (Taught/Facilitated/Assessed) * Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources (T/A) * Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F/A) * Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A) * Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance (T/A). Content: The unit is delivered through lectures and seminars that stimulate participation by students. The main topics to be covered include: ontology and epistemology in social research, research question design and formulation, literature reviews, criteria for evaluating research and strategies to enhance research quality, the use and misuse of mixed methods, preparing research proposals and communicating research. |
| Programme availability: |
XX50170 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:Department of Education
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Notes:
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