Module Code: H9RM1
Long Title Research Methods 1 (Social Sciences)
Title Research Methods 1 (Social Sciences)
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Jane Liu
Module Author: Thomas Grenham
Departments: NCI Learning & Teaching
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critique the philosophical landscape of social research and of the distinctions and import of ontological and epistemological assumptions.
LO2 Analyse of the methodological framework of social research.
LO3 Identify a range of qualitative and quantitative methods in social research and their appropriatness for types of research questions.
LO4 Conduct literature reviews towards the writing-up a minor postgraduate dissertation proposal in the social sciences.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Indicative Content
• Introduction to the course, learning aims, structure, texts, assessment etc. • Understanding the minor postgraduate dissertation • The landscape of social research methodology • Key issues and methods in quantitative research • Key issues and methods in qualitative research • Developing a dissertation proposal, configuring the question and research method • Qualitative methods – interviewing and focus groups • Your dissertation proposal - presentations • Lit reviews / Planning research project • Research ethics. The dissertation journey and the introduction chapter • Qualitative Data Analysis
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Assignment 1 % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Review of methodologies of social research (2,000 words)
Assessment Type: Assignment 2 % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Research dissertation proposal (1,500 words)
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat failed items
The student must repeat any item failed

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Independent Learning Time No Description 101 Every Week 101.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 24.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Alan Bryman. (2001), Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, Oxford, p.840, [ISBN: 0199588058].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Gibson Burrell, Gareth Morgan. (1979), Sociological paradigms and organisational analysis, Heinemann, London, [ISBN: 1857421140].
  • Martyn Denscombe. (2003), The Good Research Guide, Open University Press, p.400, [ISBN: 9780335241385].
  • Nigel Gilbert (Editor). (2008), Researching Social Life, Sage Publications Ltd, London, p.576, [ISBN: 141294662X].
  • Dr John Gill, Dr Phil Johnson. (2010), Research Methods for Managers, Sage Publications Ltd, p.288, [ISBN: 1847870945].
  • Dr David E Gray. (2004), Doing Research in the Real World, Sage Publications Ltd, London, p.624, [ISBN: 1847873375].
  • Punch, K.F. (2005), Introduction to Social Research Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, Sage Publications Ltd, London.
  • Colin Robson. (2002), Real World Research, Blackwell, London, p.640.
  • John W. Creswell. (2007), Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design, 2nd. Sage Publications, Inc, London, p.472, [ISBN: 1412995302].
  • Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, editors. (1994), Handbook of qualitative research, Sage Publications, London, [ISBN: 0803946791].
  • Elliot, J.. (2007), Using Narrative in Social Research, Sage, London.
  • Steinar Kvale, Svend Brinkmann. (2009), InterViews, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, [ISBN: 0761925422].
  • Catherine Kohler Riessman. (2008), Narrative methods for the human sciences, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, [ISBN: 0761929983].
  • Michael Quinn Patton. (2001), Qualitative research and evaluation methods, Sage Publications, US, [ISBN: 0761919716].
  • James P. Spradley. Participant observation, Holt, New York, [ISBN: 0030445019].
  • Jerry W. Willis. Foundations of Qualitative Research, Sage Publications, Inc, p.392, [ISBN: 1412927412].
  • Chris Hart. (1998), Doing a literature review, SAGE, London, [ISBN: 0761959750].
  • Levin, P.. (2005), Excellent dissertations!, Open University Press, UK.
  • Keith F Punch. (2006), Developing Effective Research Proposals, Sage Publications Ltd, London, p.176, [ISBN: 1412921260].
  • Swetnam, D. (2008), Writing your Dissertation, Sage Publications., London.
  • Nicholas S R Walliman. (2005), Your Research Project, Sage Publications Ltd, London, p.464, [ISBN: 1412901324].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Hammersley, M.. (2000), The relevance of Qualitative Research, Oxford Review of Education, 26 (3-4), 393-405.
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: