SOC205 Social Research (8)
Abstract|
This subject provides a structured introduction to social research including quantitative, qualitative and feminist methods. It explains what is involved in doing research, e.g. how research is designed, how information is collected by means of interviews, questionnaires, observation, experiments, or case studies, and how information is processed, analysed and interpreted. It demonstrates how computers are used in social research. |
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
| Session 1 | | Online | Wagga Wagga Campus | | On Campus | Bathurst Campus | | On Campus | Port Macquarie |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SOC205
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| One session | HD/FL | School of Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of methods of social research and of their advantages and limitations
- be able to demonstrate skills for independently carrying out social research
- be able to evaluate critically research findings and reports
- be able to prepare research reports. |
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SyllabusThe subject will cover the following topics:
1.History and philosophy of science; basic assumptions and conceptual models of science; the politics of social research; varieties of social research: quantitative and qualitative methodology.
2.Principles of social research. Measurement and scaling: level of measurement for variables; validity; reliability.
3.The research process; research designs in quantitative and qualitative research.
4.Initiating social research; formulation of the research topic; exploratory studies; operational definitions (operationalisation); formulation of hypotheses; reference made to both quantitative and qualitative research.
5.Sampling procedures; principles and problems; types of sampling; sample size.
6.Methods of data collection in quantitative and qualitative research; surveys; pretests and pilot studies; interviewing; indirect and unobtrusive methods; observation; experiments; field research; case studies; administrative considerations; working with computers.
7.Data analysis: quantitative and qualitative procedures.
8.Introduction to statistical methods in social research; computers in social research (statistical software: SPSS). |
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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
