Postgraduate Course: Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection (PGSP11016)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Social and Political Science |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Postgrad (School of Social and Political Studies) |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
The aims of this course are to:
&· Introduce students to the principal methods of data collection used by social scientists;
&· Develop a critical understanding of how each might be used, both separately and in combination with other methods;
&· Provide opportunities for students to reflect on and refine their own research practice in discussion with others.
**PLEASE NOTE: This course provides a basic introduction to key methods of data collection in social and political research. It is a core course for all students taking MSc by Research, MSc Social Research or PhD programmes in SSPS. Students who have taken research methods courses at undergraduate level or on other postgraduate programmes are likely to be exempt from this course, and are recommended to choose more advanced options. Exemptions are made at the discretion of a student's supervisor and/or programme director.
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Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: 173 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | 09:00 - 09:50 | | | | |
| First Class |
Week 1, Monday, 09:00 - 10:50, Zone: Central. Lecture Theatre HRB |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1.Introduce students to the principal methods of data collection used by social scientists;
2.Develop a critical understanding of how each might be used;
3.Provide opportunities for students to reflect on and refine their own research practice in discussion with others.
|
Assessment Information
Data Collection is assessed by a course paper of 4 000 words which also requires students to carry out a short practical exercise. This is an integral part of the course, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate and reflect on all their learning in lectures and workshops and through independent study.
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Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Introduction; Documents; Visual data; Interviewing; Focus groups; Ethnographic methods; Survey and questionnaire design; Analysing qualitative data
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| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Becker, H.S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to think about your research while you're doing it, Chicago University Press
Alan Bryman (2004) Social Research Methods, second edition, Oxford University Press
Jane Ritchie and Jane Lewis (eds) (2003) Qualitative Research Practice: A guide for social science students and researchers, Sage
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| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Richard Freeman
Tel: (0131 6)50 4680
Email: richard.freeman@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Gillian Macdonald
Tel: (0131 6)51 3244
Email: gillian.macdonald@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 8:09 am
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