2009 Course Handbook
SOC234: Methods of Social Research
Social research is an essential need in the contemporary world and an important field of employment for graduates in the social sciences and humanities. This unit gives you an opportunity to develop practical skills designing social and organisational research, and in collecting, analysing and presenting data to address essential research questions. The course considers the best research methods to use and the problems, limitations and traps likely to be encountered by inexperienced researchers, and helps you learn how to select the best research techniques to use in different situations. It also considers the ethical issues in social research, and the impact of new information technologies on social research.
The emphasis is on the practical side of research. A series of active workshops introduces major methodological techniques covering, basic qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviewing, case studies, group techniques such as focus groups, textual analysis, and participant observation. Students will also receive a basic introduction to SPSS. Research methods useful to community-generated research are also explored. No knowledge of statistics is required. The unit is suitable for all students in social sciences, humanities, media, creative arts or business and finance. It is particularly useful for those seeking interesting and meaningful employment after graduation, as well as for anyone wanting to go on to do honours and higher research.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: |
D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year
X2 - External study; Offered in the second half-year (On Campus session: 17 October) |
| Staff Contact: | Dr Heather Middleton |
| Prerequisites: | 12cp |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | SOC287 |
| Unit Designations: | -- |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Sociology |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.