One project-based portfolio (equivalent to 2,500 words), consisiting of two pieces of work marked in two stages together with an appendix. Via:-

a) An ethics exercise form, a 600-word literature review of a research topic of the student's choice and a 950-word critical evaluation of an in-depth interview related to the same research topic (weighted at 60%).
b) A 950-word critical evaluation of a questionnaire/SPSS exercise (weighted at 40%)

The appendix will consist of a ten-minute transcript of the in-depth interview, the questionnaire and SPSS computer output.

This module introduces students to a range of qualitative and quantitative methods in social research. Topics covered include:-

(a) the range of approaches in social research: quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
(b) aspects of practice: literature searches and literature reviews, the in-depth interview, analysing and coding qualitative data, transcribing interviews and indexing topics.
(c) different forms of interview and their rationale.
(d) ethnographic research: types of observation and records of observational work.
(e) evaluation and critique of ethnographic approaches.
(f) values and ethics in social research: situating the production of knowledge - feminist perspectives.
(g) quantitative research and survey methods.
(h) questionnaire design: open and closed questions, attitude questions, pre-coded questions for SPSS.
(i) administering questionnaires: designing samples and distributing questionnaires.
(j) SPSS as a tool for analysing research data.
(k) the strengths and weaknesses of the survey method: problems and pitfalls in quantitative research.
(l) triangulation and its role in research design.

At the start of the module students will choose a research topic to research. Whilst considerable scope will be given to students over their choice of topic students will be encouraged to choose a topic related in some way to those to be researched in Semester IV module Researching the
Community 2.

The module will be taught through a lecture programme of ten whole group lectures spread over five weeks designed to introduce students to aspects of social research. The lecture programme will be complemented by eight staff supported one-hour workshops. Lectures and workshops will guide students in the use of independent study time, help to prepare them for their assessment, and allow tutors to identify and repair weaknesses in the learning of individual participants through one-to-one inter-action. Students are encouraged to seek additional support for their learning through the negotiation of individual tutorials with staff if necessary.

(a) Use of one of the university's computer laboratories.
(b) Windows computers with SECOS, SPSS for Windows, Microsoft Office, Netscape and Accessibility Software.
(c) The Library.
(d) Tape recorders.
(e) Rooms with access for disabled students
(f) Workshop Handbook.
(g) SPSS Handbook.

Bibliography

Bryman, A., (2002) 'Social Research Methodss', Oxford. Burgess, R. (1991, 2nd ed) 'In the Field', Routledge.
Burgess, R. (1991, 2nd ed) 'In the Field', Routledge
de Vaus, D. A. (1996, 3rd ed) 'Surveys in Social Research', UCL Press.
Gilbert, N. (1996) 'Researching Social Life', Sage.
Judd, C. M. (1991, 6th ed) 'Research Methods in Social Relations', Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Mason, J. (1996) 'Qualitative Researching', Sage.
Silverman, D. (2005) 'Doing Qualitative Research: A Pratical Handbook', Sage