Modules

Module title: Researching the Social Sciences (Hong Kong)
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC09610
Module leader: Nick Cimini
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

n/a
2018/9, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: HONG KONG
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Cimini
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.

Embedding of employability/PDP/Scholarship Skills
The module involves workshops and assignments that will enhance employability and scholarship skills (on assignment preparation and essay writing, library skills, project management skills, research ethics, and data analysis).

Internationalisation
The module includes the study of literature from across the English speaking world and acts as an introduction to social science research methods that are used internationally.
Formative Assessment:
A number of formative assessments and activities will take place from early on in the module in order to help students to develop the skills and knowledge required in the summative assessments. These formative assessments and activities will include quizzes, skills and learning style self-assessments, group exercises to practise critiquing a research paper, data analysis exercises, and informal group presentations.




Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment 1- This will involve a group presentation and the preparation of presentation materials which are to be based on the recommended readings for the module. Presentations will be assessed during tutorial time in weeks 6 -10.
Summative assessment 2 - This will involve the successful completion of a mock ethical approval form. The completed ethical approval form will be assessed.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Groupwork (Scheduled) 11
Independent Learning Guided independent study 167
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Oral Presentation 30 1,2,3,4,5 10 HOURS= 0.20, WORDS= 0
Report 70 1,2,3,4,5 12 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 2500
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
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.

In this module, you will develop an understanding of different approaches to social research and gain practical experience in research design, data collection and analysis. In the first assignment, you will work in groups to give an oral presentation (using visual aids) and initiate discussion among your peers. In the second assignment, you will gain experience applying ethical principles in social research by completing an ethics application form. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to engage in research as a reflexive process. The module will also help you to develop valuable skills in planning, analysing and writing up a research project, and as such offers an excellent preparation for other modules such as the final year project.
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:

ALAN BRYMAN (2012) SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 4th ed. - ISBN: 9780199588053
BOB MATTHEWS AND LIZ ROSS (2010) RESEARCHING METHODS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES: LONGMAN, 1st ed. - ISBN: 9781405858502
VICTOR JUPP (ED) (2006) THE SAGE DICTIONARY OF SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS: SAGE, 1st ed. - ISBN: 9780761962984
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