Applied Social Research

This module introduces students to social research and its application to a range of professional contexts and roles. Students explore theoretical approaches to research and common research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative methods. The theory and practice of social research contributes to critical reflection on macro societal structures and specific social problems. Students develop the ability to view and to use research as a tool for social change and as part of professional roles as advocates for social justice. Students examine evidence-based research for the legitimacy and consolidation of a range of professions and effective social practices. The module provides a repertoire of essential skills such as the ability to read and understand different types of research reports and to develop research-writing skills.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the three primary approaches to social science research (positivism, interpretivism and critical social science)
• Design and implement a minor social science research or evaluation study
• Describe qualitative and quantitative social research methods and their appropriate application
• Demonstrate research skills (research questions, critically reviewing other research, conducting literature reviews and developing a research proposal) and apply common research methods (observation, questionnaire development, in-depth interview, focus groups, content analysis and textual analysis)
• Analyse and interpret data using quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Explore ethical issues in research and apply ethical guidelines for social science research

Content areas

• The nature of social research
• Research paradigms and research ethics
• Research methodologies
• Quantitative research methods (data collection, observation/content analysis; data analysis)
• Qualitative research methods (data collection, in-depth unstructured interview and focus groups, ethnographic research, textual and discourse analysis, data analysis; mixed methods and triangulation)
• Outcomes based research in the helping professions
• Participatory action research and critical research
• Issues for research in the social sciences and the politics of social research

Module duration and workload:
This module involves a total of 90 hours of study with a Credit Point Rating of 6 cps. Total duration and workload includes 36 hours of face-to-face or self-directed/tutor-assisted study, 24 hours of module-related reading/research and 30 hours of assessment-related activities.