This course provides an in-depth examination of social science research processes and builds on students' knowledge of, and practice in, various research approaches, methods and skills. Topics covered will include defining a research question, research ethics, qualitative methods such as interviewing and focus groups, quantitative techniques in survey and questionnaire design, and methods of data analysis (both qualitative and quantitative). Through the flexible construction of the course, students will be able to see how different research methods may be relevant/applicable to their own work.

The course will be delivered in 2 x 2 hour sessions (lectures and practical sessions) over 10 weeks, plus a one-to-one supervision meeting in Week 6 (during which no lectures or practical sessions will be scheduled).

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Research Proposal (50% weighting) [Week 10] (ILOs 1 - 4)

Students will prepare a proposal for a hypothetical research project, based on a research question of their own choice.

Exam (50% weighting) (ILOs 1 - 4):

The exam for this course will be an open book, 'part-seen' examination. Students will be given access to Part 1 in advance, and will need to prepare for the exam based on this material and their own reading. Part II, to be provided in the exam, will ask specific short answer questions based on revision and preparation. The duration of the exam will be 1 hour 30 minutes.

Reasonable adjustments will be made as appropriate for students with disabilities, as advised by the Disability Service.

The aims of this course are:

To develop students' understanding of the entire research process, from formulating questions to designing studies, selecting methods, analysing data and interpreting findings;

1. To enable students to formulate appropriate and contextually relevant research questions that are grounded in existing literature and informed by theoretical perspectives;

2. To develop applied research skills for designing and conducting both qualitative and quantitative investigations;

3. To equip students with the key skills needed to critically evaluate the appropriateness, validity and limitations of different research methods and published studies;

4. To engage critically with ethical and reflexive dimensions of research, including issues of positionality, power relations and integrity throughout the research process.

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

1. Compare the different methods used in social research, considering the diverse values, principles and limitations that they represent;

2. Devise a research question informed by a process of background research and critical reading;

3. Develop an appropriate research design and evaluate its strengths and limitations;

4. Explain the ethical risks and responsibilities associated with conducting social research.