Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Researching the Social Sciences
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC09110
Module leader: Jason Ran
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 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.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jason Ran
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 Your weekly lecture will use various audio-visual resources and interactive activities to deliver the teaching content.
Face To Face Tutorial 11 Your weekly tutorial will offer opportunities for discussions of recommended readings, problem-solving exercises, and practical research tasks.
Online Guided independent study 167 Each week reading materials and resources will be issued on the module Moodle site. You are expected to read and reflect on the essential reading material which can be discussed during the tutorial sessions.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 100 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 2,500 words You will be assessed on your completion of a research application form. As part of this submission, you will be required to complete a short literature review (setting the context), describe the main features of the research design (data collection methods, sampling strategies, accessing the data), and outline the ethical risks involved and the steps taken to manage these risks. The general criteria that will be used to assess your research proposal form relate to:1 Good design of a feasible research project, incl.:A - Clear objectives, feasible research questions, adequate research design; B - Corresponding sampling strategy, good methodological framework, suitable methods to suit the above choices; C - Clear analytical strategy, and suitable outputs communication strategy2 Tailored context (literature and research review) to ground your rationale3 The ability to recognise ethical issues specific to your tailored objectives, research questions, and chosen methods
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC09110 Researching the Social Sciences
 

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