Survey Methods and Data (PO0069)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-RSMD

The following topics in survey methods will be addressed: methods of producing data; questionnaire design; random and non-random sampling designs; sample size; validity, reliability and sources of error; survey management and field practicalities. Secondary data analysis will include access to and use of a wide variety of large scale surveys in the UK and the UK Population Censuses.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students should
Understand the conditions under which it may be appropriate or
inappropriate to use a survey as part of a research design.
Appreciate the ways in which theoretical concepts may relate to the measures used in a survey.
Be aware of the various means available for administering surveys.
Know the most important issues to be considered when designing a questionnaire.
Understand the process of sampling and the various means of selecting a sample appropriate to the research objectives.
Appreciate the potential sources of bias and error associated with the selection of survey participants and the responses given to survey questions.
Appreciate the ways in which ethical and political issues may be relevant to the practice of survey research and the presentation of survey results.
Be aware of ongoing national large-scale surveys, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, and their usefulness as sources of secondary data for research.
Be familiar with the content of the UK Population Census and its value for quantitative methods in the social sciences.
Have direct experience in extracting and manipulating survey data as preparation for statistical analysis.