Module Descriptors
PHILOSOPHIES OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH: IMPLICATIONS FOR METHODOLOGY
PPDE80183
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 8
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Kevern
Email: P.Kevern@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 12
Independent Study Hours: 288
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
An assignment comprising:
- An analysis of the epistemological position the student intends to take in the pursuit of their research topic.
- A defence of this position by critical comparison with a limited range of alternative positions
- A constructive account of the way their chosen methodology reflects this theoretical basis and its appropriateness to the broad field in which they locate their research questions
- A defence of the methods they will use to operationalise this methodology, particularly as they relate to the activities of data gathering and interpretation
- Throughout, sensitivity to the ways in which questions of ethics, validity and bias are posed and resolved by their chosen approach.
Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Assistance in completing the assignment will be offered in personal tutorials by the lead tutor or supervisor.
- An analysis of the epistemological position the student intends to take in the pursuit of their research topic.
- A defence of this position by critical comparison with a limited range of alternative positions
- A constructive account of the way their chosen methodology reflects this theoretical basis and its appropriateness to the broad field in which they locate their research questions
- A defence of the methods they will use to operationalise this methodology, particularly as they relate to the activities of data gathering and interpretation
- Throughout, sensitivity to the ways in which questions of ethics, validity and bias are posed and resolved by their chosen approach.
Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Assistance in completing the assignment will be offered in personal tutorials by the lead tutor or supervisor.
Module Indicative Content
The purpose of this module is to provide the broad conceptual framework within which you will develop your research proposal. It is therefore primarily concerned with issues of truth, knowledge, methodology and validity. The intention is that by the end of the module you will have developed awareness of the way research is shaped by worldview and approach; and will be able to both defend and critique your own perspective with some confidence as you begin to apply it to the research questions they are developing. Indicative topics:
What is truth? Epistemologies and worldviews
Methodology and methods in social sciences
The problem of selective blindness: how the conceptual framework sets the stage for questions of ethics and validity
What is truth? Epistemologies and worldviews
Methodology and methods in social sciences
The problem of selective blindness: how the conceptual framework sets the stage for questions of ethics and validity
Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours: (12)
This will be delivered in a 12 hour (2x6) intensive over two days. The sessions will be didactic, interactive and problem-solving in nature.
The nature of research at doctoral level cannot be prescribed too tightly, as one of the skills being tested is your ability to structure and direct your own research programme, under supervision. The following breakdown is therefore for illustrative rather than regulative purposes:
Independent Study Hours: (288)
20 hours Preparation for problem-solving work (in the form of a study pack which must be completed before the taught sessions)
80 Reading and resouring
88 hours reflection
100 hours Assignment preparation
This will be delivered in a 12 hour (2x6) intensive over two days. The sessions will be didactic, interactive and problem-solving in nature.
The nature of research at doctoral level cannot be prescribed too tightly, as one of the skills being tested is your ability to structure and direct your own research programme, under supervision. The following breakdown is therefore for illustrative rather than regulative purposes:
Independent Study Hours: (288)
20 hours Preparation for problem-solving work (in the form of a study pack which must be completed before the taught sessions)
80 Reading and resouring
88 hours reflection
100 hours Assignment preparation
Module Texts
Chalmers A.F. (1999)What is this thing called science Berkshire: OU Press
Rosenberg A. (1995) Philosophy of social science Oxford: Westview Press
Somekh B. & Lewin C.(2011) Eds Theory and methods in social research London: Sage
Wolpert L. (1993) The unnatural nature of science Magill
http://pos.sagepub.com/ [Philosophy of Social Science peer reviewed journal]
Rosenberg A. (1995) Philosophy of social science Oxford: Westview Press
Somekh B. & Lewin C.(2011) Eds Theory and methods in social research London: Sage
Wolpert L. (1993) The unnatural nature of science Magill
http://pos.sagepub.com/ [Philosophy of Social Science peer reviewed journal]
Module Resources
access to:
http://pos.sagepub.com/ [Philosophy of Social Science peer reviewed journal]
Blackboard
http://pos.sagepub.com/ [Philosophy of Social Science peer reviewed journal]
Blackboard