SOCY8102 Advanced Social Research Methods is designed for students in Sociology (students from other social sciences may take the course with the agreement of their supervisors and course convenors). It introduces students to the most commonly used social research methods and provides for the development of advanced understanding of how these can be applied within theoretically sophisticated research designs. The course complements and may be taken concurrently with SOCY8101 Social Research Theory and Design, which links the task of research design with the development of theoretical perspectives in sociology.

The course consists of  six self-guided study modules, online discussion using Wattle and two intensive one-day seminars.  The course pedagogy is based on principles of problem-based and self-directed learning; that is, learning about research methods through real world case studies and the application of learning to students’ own research.

• Familiarity with major sociological research methods and appreciation of their relevance to a range of social research problems
• Ability to evaluate the methodological validity of sociological knowledge claims
• Understanding of ethical and practical issues associated with social research
• Ability to develop a methodologically robust research plan

The course will be assessed as pass/fail. Students must gain a pass grade for each component of the assessment.

Seminar presentation/workshop on topic to be negotiated with course convenor – 30%.

5000 word essay exploring the application of methods covered in the course to the student’s own thesis topic – 70%.

Total course workload should equal approximately 130 hours (10 hours/week for 13 weeks). There will be set reading for each module provided online plus recommended background reading. Students will need to prepare presentations and workshops for the two one day intensive seminars and submit one essay

SOCY8101 Social Research Theory and Design (Corequisite)

Demonstrated familiarity with fundamentals of social research methods (quantitative and qualitative).

None.