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 | OBSERVATION | ||
Code | SOCI533 | ||
Coordinator |
Dr AMAN Ievins Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology Alice.Ievins@liverpool.ac.uk |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2023-24 | Level 7 FHEQ | First Semester | 5 |
Aims |
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1. To provide students with the skills they need to design and complete research using observation 2. To enable students to understand the ethical implications as well as the strengths and limitations of using observations 3. To develop students' skills in the analysis of field notes and other records of observational data 4. To develop students' awareness of the practical issues involved designing an observational study or incorporating observation into a wider study 5. To provide students with a good understanding of the methodological and theoretical literature they need to draw on to support their approach to conducting an observational study |
Learning Outcomes |
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(LO1) To understand how and when observational methods can be used to research social life, and be able to articulate the ethical implications of carrying out research in this way |
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(LO2) Students will understand observational methods and be able to design and carry out research involving observation |
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(LO3) Students will be able to record and analyse observational data and clearly articulate their approach to analysis |
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(LO4) Students will be able to identify methodological texts in order to cite to support the academic integrity of their research and to identify how sociological theory may enhance their analysis and presentation of findings |
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(S1) Problem solving skills |
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(S2) Ethical awareness |
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(S3) Communication skills |
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(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics |
Syllabus |
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This module will be delivered over two four hour workshops. Workshop 1 Following a lecture on the classic use of observation in anthropology and sociology, participants will be introduced to the various uses of observation in research, the ethics of observational research and reflexive practices. After a brief introductory lecture on field notes and recording observational data, there will be a discussion of how to design observational studies. There will be a short exercise on designing an observation in a public place. Workshop 2 After a short exercise and discussion of the practice of writing field notes, students will be asked to conduct their own observation in a public place and write up their notes. Students will have the opportunity to reflexively discuss their experience of being an observer in smaller groups, before discussing with the wider cohort their experiences of the exercise. After a short lecture on the analysis of field notes, students will be encouraged to analyse their field notes and participate in a wider discussion about what they found. |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Teaching Method 1 - Workshop Skill/Other Attribute 1: Skill/Other Attribute 2: Skill/Other Attribute 3: Skill/Other Attribute 4: |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
8 |
8 | |||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 42 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 50 |
Assessment |
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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 |
An observational report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2, after Workshop 2 | 0 | 100 |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |