Postgraduate Course: Data Collection (Online Learning) (PGSP11623)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Data Collection is concerned with the techniques and practices of doing empirical research. This course develops competence in identifying and gathering relevant information by talking to people, collecting documents, conducting surveys and observing social interaction. The focus is on training students to research societal aspects of global challenges, including sustainability. This course covers a range of associated issues, including identifying and using different sources; recruiting and negotiating access to research respondents; formulating questions and managing interviews and focus groups; sampling populations and designing surveys; recording observations; research ethics and methods for studying societal interactions and multidisciplinary data analysis (interviews, focus groups, survey analysis, policy analysis, discourse and narrative, and thematic/ethnographic).
This is a core course for all students taking the MSc by Research in Sustainable African Futures (distance learning) and is not open to other students. |
| Course description |
Data Collection is concerned with the techniques and practices of doing empirical research. This course teaches professional competence in gathering information by talking to people, collecting documents, conducting surveys and observing social interaction. We cover a range of associated issues, including identifying and using different sources; recruiting and negotiating access to research respondents; formulating questions and managing interviews and focus groups; sampling populations and designing surveys; recording observations; research ethics and methods for qualitative data analysis.
This course is taught entirely on-line in the virtual learning platform Learn Ultra. The course is delivered through short clips, podcasts and pre-recorded lectures. There are weekly readings and students engage with the material through on-line asynchronous Discussion Boards as well as with e-tivities across the semester. On-line tools are provided with instructions to complete these tasks. The course organizer/course tutor will facilitate the Discussion Board and provide feedback throughout the semester.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the principal methods of social data collection with a focus on both qualitative methods (for example ethnography, focus groups, and interviews) and quantitative approaches (for example surveys, and questionnaires).
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the appropriateness and effectiveness of different methods in different circumstances and contexts.
- Plan how to use one or more of these methods in developing an advanced, independent empirical research project, including successfully completing an ethical review in line with RCUK and South African National Research Foundation (NRF) guidelines.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical principles and issues relating to methodologies, notably in the application of ethical and other professional guidelines.
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Reading List
Becker, H.S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to think about your research while you're doing it, Chicago University Press.
Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press.
Fahy, F., & Rau, H. (Eds.) (2013). Methods of sustainability research in the social sciences. Sage.
Franklin, A., & Blyton, P. (2013). Researching sustainability: a guide to social science methods, practice and engagement. Routledge.
Hartz-Karp, J., & Marinova, D. (Eds.). (2017). Methods for sustainability research. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Smith, L. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: research and indigenous peoples, Zed Books. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Knowledge and understanding: The ability to understand the potential, strengths and limitations of particular methodologies employed in social research
Research and enquiry: The application of conceptual, analytical, critical and practical methods to the study of social issues; The ability to design appropriate research into social issues.
Analytical thinking: Analysis, synthesis, and critical appraisal of literature.
Critical thinking: Capability to evaluate information thoroughly; identify assumptions, detect contradictory reasoning, and define terms accurately in order to make an informed judgement.
Handling complexity and ambiguity: have an understanding of contextually relevant ethics and values and the ability to assess ethical challenges of research; understand reflexivity and positionality in
relation to different data collection methods. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ian Russell
Tel:
Email: irussell@exseed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Maria Brichs
Tel: (0131 6)51 3205
Email: mbrichs@ed.ac.uk |
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