SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS

SOC2MSR

2014

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

Students are introduced to a range of current methods of social inquiry. These include both quantitative and qualitative research methods such as surveys, interviews, observation, content analysis, the analysis of historical and policy documents and records and other unobtrusive methods. The objective is for students to become familiar with these techniques and to gain some understanding of when best to employ particular strategies while being aware of strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Xianbi Huang

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: 15 credit points of first-year Sociology and at least 15 credit points of Humanities and Social Sciences subjects, or co-ordinator's approval

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: Core subject at 2nd year for Sociology major at Melbourne and Albury-Wodonga; core subject at 2nd year for Sociology and Politics major at Bendigo and Shepparton

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsSocial Research Methods,PrescribedWalter, Maggie 10133RD EDN, OUP

Albury-Wodonga, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Xianbi Huang

Class requirements

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
One 1,200-word research based assignment30
One 1-hour exam (equivalent 1,000 words)25
One 2,000-word research proposal exercise, including oral presentation and teamwork components45

Bendigo, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Edgar Burns

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
One 1,200-word research based assignment30
One 1-hour exam (equivalent 1,000 words)25
One 2,000-word research proposal exercise, including oral presentation and teamwork components45

Melbourne, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Xianbi Huang

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
One 1,200-word research based assignment30
One 1-hour exam (equivalent 1,000 words)25
One 2,000-word research proposal exercise, including oral presentation and teamwork components45

Mildura, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Xianbi Huang

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
One 1,200-word research based assignment30
One 1-hour exam (equivalent 1,000 words)25
One 2,000-word research proposal exercise, including oral presentation and teamwork components45

Shepparton, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Mary Jo Fortuna

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
One 1,200-word research based assignment30
One 1-hour exam (equivalent 1,000 words)25
One 2,000-word research proposal exercise, including oral presentation and teamwork components45