2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP2011 Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods

20 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Prof L Buckner (sem 1) & Dr A Hollomotz (sem 2)
Email: l.j.buckner@leeds.ac.uk/a.hollomotz@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least 20 credits at Level 1 from a social science related discipline or the appropriate discovery theme.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module takes a practical approach to research methods and approaches to social research. In this module, students develop their understanding of research design, the methodologies and methods used in social research and the ethical issues related to this. In addition, students learn the skills needed to develop their own research ideas.

Objectives

The module will:
• Develop an understanding of the main research designs, methodologies and methods used in social research
• Develop and awareness of the ethical issues arising in social research
• Support students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to develop their own research ideas
• Develop skills to critically analyse research methodology

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to
1. Explain principles of key methodological approaches to social research
2. Demonstrate an understanding of research strategy and design through production of feasible research proposal
3. Apply knowledge of a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches
4. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues arising from social research
5. Critically analyse research methodology
6. Apply skills in data analysis

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Analytical and critical thinking skills
2. Effective decision–making skills across a range of different research approaches and methods.
3. Effective information searching skills across a range of different methodological, policy and social science literature
4. Critical consideration of ethical issues related to different research approaches and methods.
5. Reflection and evaluation of their proposed research plan

Syllabus

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Practical	10	1.50	15.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			44.00
Private study hours			113.00
Total Contact hours			43.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive feedback during computer workshops and seminar discussions and at tutor’s open-door hours.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	50.00
Assignment	Courseowrk	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/10/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD