Modules

Module title: Researching the Social Sciences
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC09110
Module leader: Sally Brown
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

n/a
2018/9, Trimester 2, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sally Brown
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Each taught input uses a variety of audio-visual resources, discussion and activity to foster student engagement. Students will have weekly lectures and workshops. The workshops will offer opportunities for discussions of recommended readings, problem-solving exercises and practical research tasks. LOs 1-5 will contribute to student's knowledge of social science research methods.
Formative Assessment:
Formal formative feedback will take place in Week 7: a one page (approx. 400 word) submission of an outline of research methods appropriate for a range of research questions. This will assess LO2.
Informal formative feedback will continue to be given during tutorials, in terms of verbal feedback on the exercises students have completed in preparation for and during tutorials.
Summative Assessment:
The summative assessment is an individual piece of written work: the completion of an ethics form and all required accompanying documents, e.g. interview schedules, participant information sheets, recruitment posters etc, as appropriate.



Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 164
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 100 1,3,4 & 5 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

This module develops an understanding of the theory and practice of social science research. Topics to be covered include theories of “ontology” (what exists) and “epistemology” (knowledge of what exists), research strategies, research design, the ethical and political dimensions of research, different sources of evidence (including primary and secondary sources of data) as well as forms of data analysis and writing- up.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Apply knowledge of ethics and power relations in social science research. LO2: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of social research methods and methodologies.
LO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the links between the theory and practice of social research.
LO4: Critically reflect on how to design, plan and execute a research proposal. LO5: Develop study, computing, written and oral communication skills, appropriate for Level 09.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC09110 Researching the Social Sciences
 

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