2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP3096 Research Skills for your Dissertation

20 creditsClass Size: 180

Module manager: Dr Carly O'Neill-Barrett
Email: C.ONeill.Barrett@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

To do the qualitative pathway, students must have taken module SLSP2010 Research Methods or GEOG2000 Research Approaches in Human Geography. There are no pre-requisites for the media analysis and literature-based research pathways.

Co-requisites

SLSP3041	Sociology Dissertation
SLSP3051	Social Policy Dissertation
SLSP3200	Dissertation in Crime

This module is mutually exclusive with

SLSP3095

Research Skills for your Dissertation

Module replaces

SLSP3095 Research Skills for your Dissertation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module students will focus on how to find a dissertation topic and how to translate that topic into a researchable question. The first four weeks of the module are the ‘core’ weeks, where teaching is the same for all students. Teaching in the first four core weeks constitutes of 2-hour lectures with workshop elements. They will then choose one of three pathways through the module based upon their chosen methodological approach. From week 5, the module splits into the three pathways:1. Qualitative data collection and analysis; 2. Media analysis; 3. Literature based research. In the pathways, students will develop their expertise of research methods within their chosen methodological approach. Teaching on each pathway will constitute of a 1-hour workshop per week.

Objectives

This module equips students to excel in the independent research in sociology, social policy or social policy crime that they will carry out in their dissertation It will equip students with the skills necessary to define a researchable problem for their dissertation. They will then move to develop advanced skills in either qualitative methods, media analysis or literature-based investigations to support their dissertation research.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Self-direction of the formulation of a sociology/ social policy and/or crime research question.
2. Justification of the research question, drawing on relevant subject knowledge.
3. Self-direction of the selection of an appropriate research strategy to answer the question
4. Justification of the research strategy, drawing on both relevant subject knowledge and literature on research design.
5. Identification and evaluation of the ethical implications of research design choices within their chosen pathway

Skills outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. The use of own tools and strategies to manage the time available. This may include using appropriate support.
7. Effective communication of research design and the choices underpinning it.

Syllabus

This module will be delivered through in person lectures and workshops. The first section of the module will be taken by all students and will teach students how to develop and define a research problem appropriate for their undergraduate dissertation. Students will then pick one of three pathways for study
1. Qualitative data collection and analysis;
2. Media analysis;
3. Literature based research.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	6	1.00	6.00
Student-led discussion	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	5	2.00	10.00
Private study hours			183.00
Total Contact hours			17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be able to discuss their progress and thinking on the module with their dissertation supervisor who will provide verbal formative feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	Recorded presentation	100.00
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: 04/09/2024

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