An overview of the range of research methods employed in the social & human sciences, qualitative, quantitative & modes of textual analysis. Familiarisation with a collection of classical case studies that illustrate the use of these methods. An introduction to the practical nature of formulating a research problem & conducting research, practice & process. Establishing a research problem, selecting a research method, research design, handling data, analysing & reporting findings, methodology & epistemology. Ethnography, participant observation, life history research, ethics, textual analysis, content analysis, conversation analysis, survey research, triangulation, grounded theory, unobtrusive measures.

Ball, M.S. & Smith, G.W.H. (1992) Analyzing Visual Data. Sage
Seale, C. (ed) (1998) Researching Society & Culture. Sage
Real, M. (1996) Exploring Media Culture. Sage
Atkinson, P. et al (eds) (2001) Handbook of Ethnography. Sage
Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods. Oxford
McQueen, R & Knussen, L. (2002) Research Methods for Social Science. Prentice Hall
Gilbert, N. (2001) Researching Social Life. Sage

The main focus will be on self instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via Blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor (12 hours).

A computer for accessing Blackboard, websites and electronic journals.
Course texts and course learning pack.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

A piece of work to comprise an essay based on a research method, including a rationale for the choice of research method. [LO 1, 2, 3]

Completing work tasks online and interacting with other students online concerning the tasks. [LO 1, 2, 3]