Applying Social Research Methods

Course aim

To build on and consolidate skills to develop a critical understanding of the research process and the requisite skills for sociological research and critical analysis.

Course content

Building on previous knowledge of theoretical and empirical traditions in sociology, students will become familiar with valid and ethical processes for collecting and analysing social data. The course covers a range of traditional and recent innovative research methods and both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students will reflect on the epistemological underpinnings and practical applications of various research methods in both scholarly and vocational contexts. Students will develop skills in the design of social research and attain ability to critical evaluate research.

Textbook(s)

Clive Searle 2012, Researching Society and Culture, SAGE, London

Prerequisite(s)

Completion of any second year course from the Sociology major/sub-major within the Bachelor of Arts, or by approval from the Program Director.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAGILL
Lecture	1 hour x 10 weeks
Lecture (online)	1 hour x 2 weeks
Tutorial	2 hours x 10 weeks
EXTERNAL, MAGILL, ONLINE
External (Online Lecture)	1 hour x 10 weeks
External (Online Lecture)	1 hour x 2 weeks
External (Online Tutorial)	2 hours x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Major essay, Minor essay, Tutorial work

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4A)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.