GSSA 3017 - Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GSSA 3017 Course Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Prerequisites 12 units level I Humanities/Social Sciences courses, GWSI 2110 or GSSA 2110 Incompatible GWSI 3017 Assessment 500 word bibliography and literature review (20%), 1000 word ethics application, Presentation(30%), 3000 word final research paper (50%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Dee Michell
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On the successful completion of this course students will be able to:- Describe the purpose of a Literature Review and recognise the need for and components of an Ethics Application as required in Social Research project.
- Locate, analyse and synthesise academic literature into a Literature Review, and develop a research question in a timely and effective manner.
- Develop a research question and design an independent research project including an Ethics Application, survey and interview instruments.
- Recruit research participants using online survey generators and social media.
- Conduct face to face research interviews according to social, cultural and ethical protocols and with professional integrity.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and communicate the findings through a research report and oral presentation.
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2,6 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3,4,5 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,5,6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,5,6 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3,5,6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3,5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
There is a Text Book required for this course: Social Research Methods, Edited by Maggie Walter, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, Second Edition 2010 or Third Edition 2013. The book is available from Uni Books and there are three copies in the Library as well.Recommended Resources
Additional course-related material is available through MyUniOnline Learning
Relevant material for the course – examples, assignment details & instructions – will be housed on MyUni and accessible to all enrolled students. Use of other facilities in MyUni, eg the Discussion Board, is encouraged for Group Work, but not mandatory. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Throughout the semester students will be required to attend a 1 hour lecture and 2 hour workshop each week.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
1 x 1-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester 1 x 2 hour workshop (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester 5 hours assignment preparation per week 60 hours per semester 5 hours reading/research per week 60 hours per semester TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester Learning Activities Summary
Week Learning Activity 1 Introduction & Orientation 2 Conducting an Independent Research Project 3 Social Research Skills in the Workplace 4 Writing a Literature Review 5 Preparing a Research Proposal 6 Ethical Dimensions 7 Sampling & Surveys 8 Respectful Intervewing 9 Anlysing Quantitative Data 10 Anlysing Qualitative Data 11 Presenting Findings 12 Writing a Research Report Specific Course Requirements
GSSA 3017 will require students to carry out their own fieldwork. This means students will be implementing a survey, and they will be conducting 3 x face to face interviews on the North Terrace campus of the University of Adelaide. Participants in both surveys and interviews will be current University of Adelaide students. Step by step guidance will be provided by the Course Coordinator.Small Group Discovery Experience
Students will participate in workshops for 2 hours each week during which time they will participate in small group discussion and structured activities. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Due Date Weight Assignment 1: 500 word literature review Week 5 20% Assignment 2: 750 words Ethics Application, Survey & Interview Instrument Week 8 20% Assignment 3: Oral Presentation of Project Week 11 10% Assignment 4: 3000 Word Research Paper Week 13 50% Assessment Related Requirements
Students must complete all assessment elements in order to pass the course.Assessment Detail
Assignment 1. Literature Review
For this assignment students are required to write a brief (500 words) review of the literature read in preparation for the research project.
Assignment 2. Ethics Application, Survey Instrument & Interview Guide
For this assignment students are required to complete a pre-designed Ethics Application as approval from an Ethics Committee is an important component of any social research project. In preparation for fieldwork, students are also required to submit the survey they have designed and the interview guide they have prepared.
Assignment 3. Oral Presentation
For this assignment students are required to summarise and present their research project and findings.
Assigment 4. Research ReportThis final assignment is a written report on the entire project, including an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
Further detail on all assignments will be proved to enrolled students via MyUniSubmission
The first three assignments are to be submitted online via MyUni.
An appendix is required to be submitted with the final assignment. Unless appendix materials can be scanned and included in an online submission, it will be better for this one assignment to be handed in manually. The assignment drop-off box for this course is located in the School of Social Sciences, Room G18, Napier Building.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
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- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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