GRT-40023 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module introduces the principles of social science research design, methodology and evidence gathering. We start by considering the place of topics and questions in the research process, before examining the logic of research design and the place of causation within social science research. The module explores the differences between types of research design (including cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-study, and comparative designs) and the consequences of these designs for the development of a methodology. The module also introduces the different strategies for gathering evidence in the social sciences, including documentary research, interviews and focus groups, ethnography, and surveys. You will be invited to bring these components together in the development of a research proposal on a self-identified project.

The module aims to deliver a comprehensive advanced introduction to approaches to research design, to the main issues surrounding research design, and to different strategies for evidence gathering across a range of social science disciplines.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Identify a suitable research topic and research question(s) for a small-scale but advanced proposed research project.: 1
Evaluate a range of research designs used in advanced social science research and select the research design(s) most appropriate to the chosen proposed project.: 1
Evaluate a range of methods of evidence gathering used in advanced research in the social sciences and their philosophical underpinnings, and identify which method(s) is/are most appropriate to the chosen proposed project.: 1
Critically evaluate the appropriateness and viability of the chosen research design(s) and evidence gathering strategy/ies, including any ethical considerations.: 1
Communicate appropriately through the use of higher level writing skills, with appropriate use of academic referencing.: 1

Study hours

15 hours of workshops, to include lectures, seminars, discussion and small group work.
30 hours of structured on offline activity to include engagement with online resources, e.g., key readings, self-assessment quizzes, podcasts, and video content.
40 hours of class preparation time.
65 hours of assessment preparation time.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment