SOC10070 Sociological Analysis and Research Design

Academic Year 2024/2025

The aim of this module is to introduce students to sociological research design and methods. It constitutes the foundation for further study of empirical research in Sociology and other disciplines. The module covers key elements of the research process (e.g. literature review, research questions, research design, sampling, research ethics, etc.) and introduces students to quantitative and qualitative research methods (e.g. experiments, surveys, interviews, focus groups, ethnographic research). The module also focusses on how sociological explanations can be made and substantiated with empirical research by drawing on real world research examples. In the seminars students will have an opportunity to learn the basics of research methods in smaller groups and to work on designing their own research projects.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe key components of research process and research design;

2. Explain and critically examine the difference between quantitative and qualitative research strategies and research methods;

3. Prepare and design a research project on a research topic of your choice.

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative topics:

Philosophy of knowledge
Research strategies
Research process
Research questions
Literature review
Referencing
Research design
Causality
Social experiments
Concepts and their measurement
Survey research
Structured observation
Content analysis
Interviews
Focus groups
Ethnographic research
Mixed methods research
Sampling
Secondary data
Research ethics
Descriptive statistics
Research project design

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
Specified Learning Activities

15
Autonomous Student Learning

82
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module, include, but are not limited to: active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Aidan Byrne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer