Available in 2024
Course code

SOCA6640

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

Provides students with a sound grounding in the range of research methods relevant to the wider teaching program in Social Change and Development. It also provides an awareness of some of the relevant debates in the area of methodology. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be covered. The course will be student-centred, problem-oriented and delivered in a multimedia format.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024
  • Semester 2 - 2024

Online

  • Semester 1 - 2024
  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Analyse linkages between (a) theories of social change and development and (b) social research practice and methodology.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the range of research techniques employed by social researchers, both qualitative and quantitative.

3. Design research frameworks appropriate to the research tasks arising from other parts of the course.

4. Discuss the ethical implications of research practices and the external environment within which social research is conducted.


Content

Content includes

  • examination of the range of research methods relevant to the wider teaching program in Social Change and Development.
  • examination of qualitative and quantitative methods as well as mixed methods approaches.
  • an introduction to ethical guidelines for research, decolonising and participatory action research approaches, as well as innovative research methods.

Assumed knowledge

Undergraduate degree with major in social science or related area


Assessment items

Online Learning Activity: Weekly contributions to, and participation in, online forum; and 2 day intensive

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Exploring and analysing interview data

Project: Applying qualitative research methods with specific population groups

Proposal / Plan: Designing a mixed methods research project

Presentation: Oral presentation in week 3


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Seminar-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 days per week for 1 week(s) starting in week 3

Semester 1 - 2024 - Online

Online Activity-1
  • Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Seminar-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 days per week for 1 week(s) starting in week 3

Semester 2 - 2024 - Online

Online Activity-1
  • Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline