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 Quantitative Social Research Methods
Code SOCI247
Coordinator Dr P Campbell
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
Peter.Campbell@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

- To introduce students to the usage of quantitative data and methods in explaining the social world
- To encourage students to reflect on the issues raised in attempting to gain reliable knowledge regarding the social world
- To give students practical experience of working with and appropriately analysing data relevant to their studies
- To encourage reflection on the strengths and limitations of using quantitative data in the social sciences
- To prepare students for independent research using a range of quantitative data

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Assess the strengths and limitations of 'real-world' usage of quantitative data

(LO2) Assess claims made about the nature of the social world based on quantitative data and establish their quality

(LO3) Produce independent analysis based on a range of quantitative data sources

(LO4) Appropriately present quantitative data

(LO5) Use specialist statistical analysis software

(LO6) Appreciate the range of quantitative data available for social research

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Communicating for audience

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Media analysis

(S5) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S7) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S8) Information skills - Critical reading

(S9) Information skills - Evaluation

(S10) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S11) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S12) Numeracy/computational skills - Confidence/competence in measuring and using numbers

(S13) Numeracy/computational skills - Numerical methods

Syllabus
 

- What can quantitative data tell us?
- Why has quantitative data achieved such prominence?
- The role of surveys in social research
- The technicalities of working with survey data
- Sampling from a population
- Using software to understand quantitative data
- Univariate and multivariate analysis
- How to effectively present data
- 'Null Hypothesis Significance Testing'
- Statistical measures of strength and significance

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Face to face lectures
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Weekly lectures introduce the key concepts around which further study should be structured.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Face to face seminars
Notes: In the first half of the module, seminars are held to discuss the use of quantitative data in describing the social world. In particular, recent media coverage of social issues will be considered.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

 5

   9

     25
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 11
  		60 mins X 1 totaling 5
  		         
Private Study 125
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 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  0    50       
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  0    50       

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