SOCS2400
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
In this course students develop a comparative understanding of social science methods for the design of social inquiry. This course concentrates on the collection and analysis of quantitative data and the reporting of results. Students develop an understanding of the uses, strengths and limitations of various research strategies and approaches to conducting social inquiry, and develop skills necessary for designing social survey research tools, data processing and analysis, the interpretation of numerical data and report writing. The computer workshops will include an introduction to appropriate software packages such as SPSS. The course does not require previous statistical knowledge.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a proficient understanding of a range of social research approaches and strategies, their applicability, strengths and weakness, and the relationship between social research methods and social theory.
2. Develop appropriate research tools for conducting quantitative research and evaluating their validity and reliability.
3. Apply appropriate primary data processing and data analysis skills using a relevant computer program.
4. Correctly interpret social figures and the results of data analyses and write up academic report on the findings.
Content
This course provides grounding in social science methods as preparation for continued development of research methods skills in SOCS3200 Applied Social Research Project.
In this course students develop a broad comparative understanding of social science methods for the design of social inquiry, and more particularly the collection and analysis of quantitative data and the reporting of results.
Topics will include:
- consideration of the relationship between knowledge and social science methodology,
- the advantages and disadvantages of social science research designs and approaches,
- the use of evidence to substantiate conclusions, and the ethics of social inquiry.
In relation to quantitative research, the course will develop competencies in:
- the collection and processing of numerical data,
- visualisation and presentation techniques,
- questionnaire design and processing,
- descriptive and inferential statistics, using computing packages which may include JAMOVI and SPSS.
Through this, students will develop an understanding of:
- the strengths and limitations of various methods,
- debates over epistemology and interpretation,
- skills in social inquiry design, report writing, and
- interpretation of numerical and statistical data.
Assumed knowledge
40 units of study at 1000 level.
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Workshop Participation and Exercises
Project: Project I, Devising A Survey Questionnaire and its Research Rationale
Project: Project II, Secondary Data Analysis and Report
Quiz: Online or In-class Quiz
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s) starting in week 4
- Weeks 4-12
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s) starting in week 2
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s) starting in week 4
- Weeks 4-12
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s) starting in week 2
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.