1. Demonstrate capability of reviewing literature, identify gaps in body of knowledge and show how the proposed area of study would contribute to gap in knowledge
Knowledge and understanding, application, enquiry

2. Work in small teams (maximum of 4 people per group) to design and carry out a small-scale quantitative questionnaire research project and analyse the results from the questionnaire using SPSS
Application, enquiry, reflection, problem solving

3. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical guidelines and an ability to practice research ethically, by completing an ethics form
Communication, reflection

4. Individually, write up an account of the quantitative research project and communicate findings appropriately using harvard referencing style
Enquiry, communication, analysis

In teams (a maximum of 4) students will research and write a mini-research proposal (minimum 500 words) that outlines the design of a study of a topic that is to be measured quantitatively using a questionnaire (formative assessment) (meets LO 1)

Write up a 2,500-word individual report based on the small-scale quantitative research project, complete with analysis of findings from the questionnaire (summative weighted at 100% of final grade) (meets LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This module guides students through the process of designing, carrying out and writing up a small-scale quantitative research project. Students will be introduced to a variety of quantitative research methods including: official statistical datasets, content analysis, questionnaires and capturing social attitudes.
In project teams, students will be given step-by-step guidance and support to design and carry out a small-scale quantitative project and analysing data generated from quantitative study.

The first half of the module includes taught workshops that introduce students to various quantitative research methods and opportunities to have practical experiences of using these methods (including official statistical data sets, content analysis, questionnaires and capturing social attitudes). The second half of the module focuses on providing tuition to students on issues such as conceiving of a project suitable to be studied through a social survey, developing a hypothesis, using software to design an online survey, sampling and recruitment, seeking ethical approval for project, data collection, how to use SPSS to analyse their project data and how to write up an account of their quantitative project and findings.

Independent-guided study - students are given some specific tasks to complete which include:
• Students will become effective at independent learning through the completion of small preparatory tasks before the workshop which will be used in activities during taught sessions to enhance their understanding of quantitative research design.
• Students will also be required to complete weekly readings relevant to each week’s topic.
• Across the module, students will engage in tasks as part of their learning that allows them to develop crucial competencies and research skills (such as critical thinking, note taking, writing, avoiding plagiarism and referencing).

Individual tutorial support will be provided on request and students will be encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance if required.
Students will be given informal feedback about their progress during lectures and workshops
Students will be given formal written feedback on their coursework
Complete small tasks to be used in activities during taught sessions

Bryman, A., (2012). Social Research Methods. Fourth edition. Oxford. Oxford University press
May, T., (2011). Social Research, Issues, Methods and Process. Fourth Edition. Buckingham. Open University Press
Corbetta, P., (2003). Social Research. Theory, Methods and Technique. Translated from the Italian – B Patrick. London. Sage
Field, A., (2009). Discovering Statistics using SPSS: and sex, and drugs and rock n roll. Third Edition. London. Sage
Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project. Open University
Denscombe, M. (2010) The Good Research Guide. Maidenhead: Open University Gilbert, N. (2008) Researching Social Life. Second edition London: Sage.

A flat lecture/workshop computer lab/room flexible enough for paired and small group work and a computer and projector for tutor led PowerPoint presentations
Computer lab needs to have SPSS installed on PCs
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

This module guides students through the process of designing, carrying out and writing up a small-scale quantitative research project. Students will be introduced to a variety of quantitative research methods including: official statistical datasets, content analysis, questionnaires and capturing social attitudes.
In project teams, students will be given step-by-step guidance and support to design and carry out a small-scale quantitative project and analysing data generated from quantitative study.