SOCI 601 Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative)

20 Credits

0.167 EFTs



Introduction

The primary objective of this course is to have the student gain competence in conducting a statistical social science research study. Students will learn about the abilities necessary to design, implement, analyse, and critically discuss quantitative research up to the level of univariate (parametric and non-parametric) analysis. These abilities will be acquired and sharpened in a 'hands-on' manner throughout the semester.

The main workload for this class comes from the semester-long, empirical study undertaken by each student. The topic for this project is up to the each student but must be approved by the examiner of the paper; the topic must also have a social science component (i.e., it must involve people as respondents or research subjects). The studies may be pilot projects for intended thesis work, but they may not be a replication of work undertaken for other current or past classes.

A key component in research is the presentation of results to the 'wider world'. To this end, each student will be required to orally present the results of his or her study during an in-class conference, which is held at the end of the semester. Each student will also be required to write up her or his study in journal article form.

 

Topics

  • Planning research
  • Literature reviews
  • Ethics in social science research
  • Data files; data transformation
  • Modes of observation
  • Probabilities and frequencies
  • Instruments
  • Descriptive statistics and graphs
  • Sampling
  • Causation, validity, and correlation
  • General linear model tests
  • Nonparametric tests
  • Professional writing
  • Presenting results 'live'
 

Schedule and location

The timetable for some postgraduate courses are predetermined and details of the class times and location for these courses are available from Student Intranet. For other courses the contact sessions are determined by negotiation with the examiner of the course. If your course timetable is not available from the Student Intranet site then you should contact the examiner of the course directly at the start of the semester.
Semester one timetable block Unblocked
 

Prerequisite courses

A sound preparation for this course would include a familiarity with descriptive and univariate statistical techniques, as taught at the undergraduate level. It would be useful to have a good understanding of the design of scientific research studies, as well as knowledge about ethical considerations when conducting research with human participants.
 

Recommended preparatory courses

 
 

Examinations

Exam dates will be available at the end of week five in each semester. Until exam dates are advised, students should not plan to leave the University until the end of the exam period.
 

Examiner

Gary Steel, Faculty of Environment, Society and Design.
 

Apply to Study

Page last updated on: 06/03/2012