Course Catalogue

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The course introduces quantitative research methods commonly used in the Social Sciences.

Lecture: Tuesdays 10-11. Lab times to be confirmed.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Grade point average of 9 (Grade D3) over Social & Public Policy 2A and 2B (formerly Public Policy 2A and 2B).

Recommended Entry Requirements

Grade point average of 9 (Grade D3) over Social & Public Policy 1A and 1B (formerly Public Policy 1A and 1B).

PUBPOL4137

None

Assessment

The summative assessment will consist of:

- One lab workbook reflective log (500 words), 30%

- One report (3000 words) on interpretation and writing up findings of a regression model, based on a list of guiding questions and template, 60%

-Participation in labs and completion of lab workbook, a pass (A1) or fail (E1) would be awarded for meeting the minimum threshold (70%) for each of the components: i) lab attendance (approved absences exempted), and; ii) evidence of completion of lab workbook exercises. 10%

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

The course introduces quantitative research methods commonly used in the Social Sciences. It will provide you with an opportunity to acquire skills in research design, data collection and data analysis. Those skills can then be applied to your specific degree subject. You will learn how to use a statistical programme for social scientists (R).

A grounding in quantitative methods will allow you to understand a wider range of academic literature, better understand the social and political world, and provide an important transferable skill attractive to employers.

Specific topics will include: why quantitative research matters; research design and research questions; sampling and questionnaire design; introduction to statistical analysis; univariate statistics; relationships between variables; the mis-presentation of data; ethical issues.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of quantitative research design and strategy;

■ select appropriate quantitative research methods for use in different research settings and be able to explain and justify your selection;

■ construct research hypotheses and demonstrate basic skills in question formulation and questionnaire design;

■ assess the use of quantitative research methods in the secondary literature;

■ use R to manipulate and analyse basic data;

■ present research findings clearly and concisely in text, tabular and graphical forms;

■ transfer the skills acquired to a workplace situation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.