SOCI 2012 - Social Research

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2017

The aim of Social Research is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of research - how and why it is done - and to expose students to different theoretical perspectives and methodologies employed by researchers in conducting social research. Students will learn new skills: formulating a research question; designing a survey and interview schedule; participant observation; conducting focus groups; content analysis and discourse analysis; and interpreting information. Students will also be taught about ethical considerations in social research and how the research findings inform change. Students will also learn how these research skills are increasingly and widely applicable in the workplace.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code SOCI 2012
    Course Social Research
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of level I undergraduate study
    Incompatible GWSI 2015, GWSI 2110, GWSI 3015, GSSA 2110
    Course Description The aim of Social Research is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of research - how and why it is done - and to expose students to different theoretical perspectives and methodologies employed by researchers in conducting social research. Students will learn new skills: formulating a research question; designing a survey and interview schedule; participant observation; conducting focus groups; content analysis and discourse analysis; and interpreting information. Students will also be taught about ethical considerations in social research and how the research findings inform change. Students will also learn how these research skills are increasingly and widely applicable in the workplace.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Ruthie O'Reilly

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

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

    Understand the purpose of social research and its potential to investigate contemporary social issues through both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

    Identify the range of methods, techniques and skills used in contemporary social research and their capacity to solve specific social problems.

    Demonstrate skills in social science methods including the ethical and practical aspects of researching social problems, critical reading, reflection and analytical writing.

    Work with others in the exploration of ideas and to collectively develop arguments and negotiate solutions to problems.

    Undertake a research project including formulating a research problem and its key questions, investigating the problem and analysing the results.

    Present research findings in a coherently argued written report and engage in critical debate.

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,4,5,6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2,3,4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    3,4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Walter, M (2013) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
    Recommended Resources
    Gray, D. (2009) Doing research in the real world. London: Sage.

    Neuman, W. (2006) Social research methods. Boston: Pearson International.
    Online Learning
    Lectures, handouts, links to further readings, websites and updates will be posted to the MyUNi course site available via the MyUni link.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    WORKLOAD - STRUCTURED LEARNING

    TOTAL HOURS

    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


    WORKLOAD - SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

    TOTAL HOURS

    3 hours assignment preparation per week

    36 hours per semester

    7 hours reading/research per week

    84 hours per semester

     

     

     

    TOTAL: 156 hours per semester

    Learning Activities Summary

    WEEK

    LECTURE TOPIC

    1

    Introduction to the course

    2

    Definitions and beginnings

    3

    Participant observation

    4

    Analysing texts

    5

    Surveys/questionnaires

    6

    Analysing quantitative data

    7

    Why's and wherefore's of doing interviews

    8

    Innovative methods with children

    9

    Focus groups

    10

    Analysing qualitative data

    11

    Using social theory: the 'so what' question

    12

    Research translation

    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Weekly workshops provide opportunities to put new knowledge and skills into practice in fun and meaningful ways. Activities in workshops are group based.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    ASSESSMENT TASK

    TASK TYPE

    WEIGHTING

    COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

    Group activities (inc workshop attendance, participation and online tasks)

    Formative & Summative

    30%

    1,2,3,4

    1000 word research exercise

    Formative & Summative

    30%

    3,5,6

    2000 discourse analysis

    Formative & Summative

    40%

    3,5,6

    Assessment Related Requirements
     Students are required to complete all assessment tasks to be eligible to pass this course.
    Assessment Detail
    Workshops: Participation in workshops is a key feature of this course as they provide opportunities to explore ideas, theories and examples in the readings and lectures.

    Assignment 1: This is a research exercise to put into practice a research skill that you have learnt in the first few weeks of the course. This includes an activity on campus, where you conduct a participant observation exercise, and write this up as a short report.

    Assignment 2: In this assignment you can choose an issue or controversy and explore the way it is represented in the media over a period of time. This is an independent learning project, where you will be supported to conduct your own textual analysis.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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