Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title QUALITATIVE SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS
Code SOCI248
Coordinator Dr K Paton
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
Kirsteen.Paton@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

-  Introduce students to a range of research methods used in sociological research.
- To give stduents some practical experience of data collection, analysis and presentation.
- To encourage students to think about the ethical, epistemological and practical considerations of designing a research study and conducting social research.
- To reflect on the role of the researcher in collecting and generating data.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Select a research method to inform a particular research area/ research questions.

(LO2) Analyse and present primary qualitative data.

(LO3) Consider the ethical implications of their research, and demonstrate a good understanding of situated field ethics.

(LO4) Reflect critically on their role as a researcher and demonstrate and awareness of the socio-political context of research.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Research skills - Ethical awareness

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking


Syllabus

 

This module is concerned with understandings of the epistemological and practical application of research methods in sociological inquiry in order to prepare students for their third year independent research modules.
Through lectures, seminars and independent study, students will gain understandings as to how the complex interplay between the aims of the research, the generation of research questions, the research field and available resources and research participants, combines to inform both the design and conduct of research.

After a general introduction to the theory of social research and a consideration of research ethics, lectures will go on to explore key areas including: situated field ethics; different forms of interviews; focus group discussions; observation and visual methods; and different methods of analysis and ways to present data.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The lectures are designed to introduce students to different approaches to data collection and to direct students to the areas they need to go on to cover in their
independent study through reading, writing and reflection.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Face to Face synchronous seminars, safety permitting
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars provide a space for students to think about research issues and to engage in active debate and discussion, and gain some experience of data collection
and data analysis. These processes enable students to gain confidence by expressingn their ideas and help students in their preparation for their assessments.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

10

        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 Seminar tasks – 3 x practical methods activities There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Sc  Pratical Methods    10       
Assessment 2: Research Design Report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  2000 Words    90       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.