SCI415 Social Science Research Methods for Natural Resource Management (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Generic Science subjects (GENSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
In this subject researchers experience the thrills of identifying and creating new knowledge. Their research experience is enhanced by using appropriate and sound approaches. This subject supports students undertaking social science research in natural resource management. Students are exposed to all aspects of research from project development to publication and dissemination of findings. After an introduction to qualitative and quantitative methodologies students specialise in the study of methods they will use in their research.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Albury-Wodonga | Session 2 |
| Distance | Albury-Wodonga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SCI415
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Restricted to Faculty of Science and Agriculture students enrolled in Honours or other research degrees or in Masters degrees by Coursework.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- understand what is involved in the various stages of a research project;
- be able to write a competent research proposal;
- be able to identify and explain a range of social science research methods;
- be able to select social science research methods appropriate to a specific research task;
- be able to use a limited number of research methods
- be able to write a research report; and
- be able to recognise and address ethical issues in research.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Students will study a common core and then specialise in either qualitative or quantitative methods. The two streams will combine for a final topic on publication and funding. 1. The nature of social research in natural resource management 2. Issue identification, problem refinement and hypothesis formulation 3. Social science theories and paradigms 4. Qualitative and quantitative methods: an overview 5. Qualitative and quantitative streams: a. Qualitative: - Interviewing - Participant observation - Analysing and presenting qualitative data - Case studies of qualitative research - Ethics b. Quantitative: - Survey design and administration - Distributions, measures of central tendency and variability - Bivariate and multivariate analysis - Ethics 6. Report and thesis writing, journal publication, and research funding
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.