DEMO8087 Online Research Methods
| Offered By | Australian Demographic & Social Research Institute |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Demography |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2012 and Second Semester, 2013 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
The World Wide Web is only around 20 years old, but it has transformed the way we work, collaborate, engage in commerce, participate in the political process and interact socially. This course will provide students with thorough training in online research methods for social science Internet research. While "obtrusive" social research methods (e.g. online surveys and focus groups) will be covered, there will be greater emphasis on unobstrusive research methods, e.g. quantitative (statistical) analysis of Internet trace data from emails, websites, blogsites and social networking sites such as Facebook. |
| Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this course, participants should be able to: 1. Compare online research methods to methods traditionally used by social scientists 2. Locate available tools and data for online research 3. Be able to conduct basic social media network analysis 4. Understand the ethical implications of various online research methods 5. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of various online research methods |
| Indicative Assessment |
Class participation online forum (15% - approx. 1000 words), two computer lab exercises (15% - approx. 1000 words each), journal article critical review and presentation (15% - approx. 1000 words), final paper and class presentation (40% - approx. 2000 words). |
| Workload |
Two ninety minute sessions on campus per week. |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. |
| Areas of Interest | Marketing, Political Communication, Political Sciences, Population Studies, Science Communication, Social Research, and Sociology |
|
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills |
Students are expected to be familiar with using a computer and using a web browser in particular. It is expected that students will have had some exposure to quantitative or qualitative social science research methods. |
| Recommended Courses |
DEMO8007 Statistics for Social Scientists or equivalent, DEMO8086 Social Science of the Internet |
| Consent Required | Students not enrolled in the Master of Social Research or the Graduate Certificate in Social Research require permission of the Masters Coordinator, Dr Robert Ackland, to enrol in this course. Please email him on adsri.study@anu.edu.au |
| Indicative Reading List |
A complete set of course notes, including additional readings will be supplied. |
| Technology Requirements |
Students will need to access the Internet using the Firefox web browser (software used in the class does not currently work with Internet Explorer). |
| Programs | Master of Social Research, Master of Social Research, Graduate Certificate in Social Research, and Graduate Certificate of Music |
| Other Information |
Students undertaking the "Social Science of the Internet" stream of the Master of Social Research must take this course and DEMO8086 Social Science of the Internet. This course can be selected as one of two DEMO methods courses that students undertaking the "Social Research Methods" stream of the Master of Social Research are required to take. This course is available via distance learning. |
| Academic Contact | Dr Robert Ackland |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.
