Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Understanding Social Science Research
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC07103
Module leader: Nick Cimini
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module offers an introduction to the methods, ethics, politics and philosophy of social science research. Key areas to be studied include the philosophy of knowledge; quantitative and qualitative methods; survey research; official statistics; interviewing; participant observations; online research; action research methods; and evaluating social research. There will also be a study skills element to the module which will focus on developing skills for undergraduate study. This will include input on assignment preparation and essay writing, library skills, interpersonal and communication skills, referencing and plagiarism, and academic reading.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Use appropriate methodological concepts to evaluate one or more examples of contemporary social science research.

LO2: Define key terms used in social science research.

LO3: Think and write critically about research design and research methods.

LO4: Develop study, computing, and written communication skills, appropriate for Level 07.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Cimini
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 22 The weekly online lectures will include a number of audio-visual inputs: short videos, discussion exercises, breakout groups, online polls and other activities to foster student engagement. Whilst there will be a study skills element to some of the lecture content (e.g. thinking about essay planning), most of the time spent in the lectures will be devoted to developing subject knowledge: research design, methods, strengths and weaknesses of different methods, and example pieces of research, etc.
Face To Face Tutorial 4 The tutorials will offer opportunities for discussions of recommended readings, problem-solving exercises and practical research tasks. The tutorials will also offer opportunities for lecturers and peers to give formative feedback on group activities and in-class exercises.
Online Guided independent study 164 Guided independent study will involve reading the recommended literature, engaging with online activities through the module Moodle space, and preparing for the summative assessment.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 4 The four hours of computer workshops will introduce students to quantitative statistical analysis using SPSS (a statistical software package often used in social science research). Students will be introduced to the software itself, data entry, and some introductory statistical tests (descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and correlations). These activities will help prepare students for their Level 8 module Quantitative Research (SSC08108).
Independent Learning Tutorial 6 The tutorials will offer opportunities for discussions of recommended readings, problem-solving exercises and practical research tasks. The tutorials will also offer opportunities for lecturers and peers to give formative feedback on group activities and in-class exercises.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 100 1~2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 2,000 words You will be given a list of contemporary examples of social science research, asked to pick one and write a critique of the methods employed in your chosen example.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC07103 Understanding Social Science Research
 

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