SOC4042 - Contemporary Research 1

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Understand the constituent aspects of sociological / criminological data, such as the design, scale, delivery, analysis of data and the presentation of conclusions;
Perform basic analysis, evaluation and interpretation of statistical data through analysis of a sample case study;
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of data visualisation and the nature of persuasive presentation.
Perform basic analysis, evaluation and interpretation of qualitative data.

Content:

This module examines how sociological data may be collected, analysed, displayed and explained effectively. It introduces students to the criticism and interpretation of empirical data and techniques. In addition, it engages students with creative approaches to communicating information in persuasive and striking ways.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A range of learning and teaching methods are used, including workshops, computer workshops, group work and group presentations. In the first part of the module case studies of simple surveys are used to identify and explain the constitutive elements of the research process. Students will explore variations on the survey criteria, the design, application and analysis and visualisation of the data to assess the relation of these variations to the nature of the arguments that can be drawn from the survey. This process provides an introduction to analysing and writing about numerical evidence.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 38
Intended Group size: 25

Group tutorials
Hours: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 161

Further details relating to assessment
The case study report will cover the range of elements of the sample data collection exercise. It will explore and analyse the impact created by varying aspects of scope, design, application, analysis and representation of the data.
The group presentation will require students to visualise basic data in striking and imaginative ways, working with recommended software packages and basic principles of data visualisation and presentation techniques.

Other relevant matters
The module forms a research strand and thus prepares students for SOC 5042 Contemporary Research 2. Students of SOC 4042 will develop a basic awareness of the nature of research, both qualitative and quantitative and will be introduced to statistical evidence and methods for visualising data. In addition, students will explore basic thematic analysis of qualitative data. This will prepare students with basic research elements before they get introduced to IBM SPSS software, and more advanced qualitative coding in SOC 5042 Contemporary Research 2. As part of this preparation for the L5 module a basic awareness of the nature of research, statistical evidence and methods for capturing and presenting qualitative data will enable students to be pro-active and creative in their collection and analysis of data.

Assessment:

001 Directed Activities 10%
002 Group Presentation 10 minutes mid semester 45%
003 Practical Research Report 2000 words end of semester 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - ASHLEY CARTWRIGHT
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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