SOC40840

This module provides an overview to research methods in the social sciences. Students will learn how to conduct an independent piece of research (dissertation) within the field of social change and race, ethnicity and conflict. Adopting an applied approach, the module will teach how to formulate research questions and how to tackle them competently by drawing on principles of social research methodology and practically employing methods of investigation like sampling, data collection and analysis. Highlighting the centrality of research design, the module will essentially cover both qualitative and quantitative research strategies and related methods. Furthermore, the module will discuss crucial aspects of research ethics and practical aspects in planning, organising, and crafting a professional research report.

Qualitative and quantitative research – while sharing important communalities in terms of research design – can differ in the ways how theory and data are related, how data is being collected, how data is analysed, and how empirical evidence is constructed. While qualitative methods usually deal with exploring and summarizing rich textual data retrieved for instance from in-depth and semi-structured interviews, quantitative research is usually characterized by measuring concepts and testing theories through statistical analysis of numerical data obtained for instance from standardised interviewing in surveys. Doing effective and good research but also consuming and understanding research of others requires profound knowledge in both approaches. Moreover, both approaches feature comparative research designs which are particularly relevant for research studying social change, the generalisability of findings by examining cross-national variation, and the relevance of institutional settings. The module will also refer to mixed-method strategies to discuss how qualitative and quantitative research strategies can form a powerful alliance in social research.

The module spans both Michaelmas and Hilary Term each of them comprising 11 weeks. Within each term half of the module will be devoted to both qualitative and quantitative research in the following sequence:

Michaelmas Term: first 6 weeks quantitative research, last 5 weeks qualitative research.

Hilary Term: first 6 weeks qualitative research, last 5 weeks quantitative research.

In Michaelmas Term, students will get an introduction to principal methodologies of each approach. Based on that, Hilary Term will provide a more advanced, lab-based and hands-on treatment of methods of data collection and data analysis (like conducting interviews or analysing statistical data) to equip students with necessary skills to pursue their own dissertation research.

In Hilary Term students will also work continuously on a dissertation proposal which elaborates a full research plan including research questions, literature review, theory, research design, data collection and analysis plan, and a timetable.