BA Sociology and German / Course details

This course will introduce students to how sociological research methods work in practice 
by focusing on how key dimensions of social life are researched from a variety of 
methodological approaches. The module is built on a unique approach to teaching 
research methods based on a commitment to 'inquiry based learning'. All aspects of the 
research process will be covered, from formulating a research question to analysing the data, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The course unit will use examples from real sociological research studies, where appropriate, to explore these issues to make the research come alive.

After completing the course students should:

• Be familiar with the epistemological assumptions underpinning quantitative and qualitative social research methods 
• Be able to demonstrate their knowledge of a variety of methodological frameworks and research methods 
• Be able to choose an appropriate method of research with respect to research objectives 
• Be able to use a variety of both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques to an introductory level

This course will introduce students to how sociological research methods work in practice  
by focusing on how key dimensions of social life are researched from a variety of  
methodological approaches. The module is built on a unique approach to teaching  
research methods based on a commitment to 'inquiry based learning'. All aspects of the  
research process will be covered, from formulating a research question to analysing the  
data, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The course unit will use examples from real sociological research studies, where appropriate, to explore these issues to make the research come alive.   

Knowledge and understanding:

• Identify the main approaches is sociological research
• Understand the epistemological assumptions underpinning social research methods

Intellectual skills

• Choose an appropriate research method with respect to research objectives

Practical skills

• Understand how to use a variety of data analysis techniques at an introductory level
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of a variety of methodological frameworks and research methods

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Research social life and critically evaluate the quality and uses of qualitative and quantitative data.  

Syllabus (indicative curriculum content):

The course explores a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, considers methodology broadly and explores ethical implications of social research. The specific content of the course unit might vary from year-to-year. Indicative content is thus:

Qualitative research: Doing Interviews and Focus groups; Ethnography and Participant Observation
Qualitative analysis methods: e.g. Thematic Analysis; Narrative Analysis.

Quantitative Research: Survey Design; Census Data; Content Analysis 
Quantitative statistical tests: e.g. Univariate Analysis; Bivariate Analysis

Social Research Ethics

The course will also explore some less common methods and modalities of social research, examples could include:  Using Secondary Data in Qualitative and Quantitative approaches; social media analysis; Social network analysis; Mixed Method Research
 

Teaching and learning methods: 
• 10 x 2-hour lectures
• 10 X 1-hour tutorials

E-learning and other digital mechanism of teaching:

• Asynchronous learning via video recordings and other E-learning tools in the VLE, e.g.: 
• Slido: Q&A, Polls, Quizzes, Discussion Questions 
• Mentimeter: Polls, Quizzes, feedback 
• Padlet 
• Google Whiteboard 
• My Learning Essentials 
 

• Identify the main approaches in sociological research.
• Understand the epistemological assumptions underpinning social research methods.
   

Choose an appropriate research method with respect to research objectives.

• Understand how to use a variety of data analysis techniques at an introductory level.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of a variety of methodological frameworks and research methods.

Research social life and critically evaluate the quality and uses of qualitative and quantitative data . 

Formative assessment will be delivered via the VLE during the course of the semester, and might include short answer questions, multiple choice questions, reading tasks, Padlet activities, peer-feedback, and so on.

Summative assessment Group Presentation (50%), self and peer evaluation will be used to shape the group poster presentation mark to reflect contribution and excellence in group work (up to 10% adjustment of the group mark). 2 hour Exam (50%)    

All sociology courses include both formative feedback – which lets you know how you’re getting on and what you could do to improve – and summative feedback – which gives you a mark for your assessed work.

Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [main recommended text]* 
Alasuutari, P, Bickman, L & Brannen, J. (2008). The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. London: Sage. [Available online via library website] 
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th edn. London: Sage. 
Gilbert, N. (2008). Researching Social Life. 3rd edn. London: Sage. 
May, T. (2003). Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process. 3rd edn. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.