50164 Research Methods 1

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Social Inquiry
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50120 Introduction to Social Inquiry OR 50240 Introduction to Social Inquiry OR 50121 Theory and Method OR 50241 Theory and Method

Handbook description

This is the core subject for the professional research strand and offers the opportunity for students to develop basic research skills applicable in different disciplinary fields and workplaces. The aim of the subject is to provide a critical introduction to designing and carrying out a small quantitative research project on a contemporary social issue. The subject is structured on a project basis, involving students in hands-on workshops in designing ways of collecting, analysing and writing about quantitative data. Practice in this subject is on survey research with students working in tutorial groups so they can collect enough data to explore some basic statistical concepts and computer-based cross-tabulation.

The subject also focuses on developing theoretically informed analyses of data, a critical approach to research methodology and a practical awareness of the often politically and ethically loaded contexts of research. The subject focuses on skills including questionnaire design, data analysis and research report writing. The subject forms a sequence with Research Methods 2 for students who wish to develop advanced research, analysis and writing skills often valued in the workplace.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to:

Have developed practical research skills in the areas of research design, survey fieldwork, data analysis, and writing.
Have developed their capacity to conceptually frame empirical data.
Have a developed sense of the appropriate use of quantitative research techniques.
Have a developed sense of the strengths, weaknesses, ethical and political dilemmas of quantitative research and the research process in general.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed to provide graduates with:

a broad range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social inquiry, research and advocacy
the ability to research and analyse wider social and public issues as well as apply critical analytical perspectives to daily and personal life
an understanding of the multiple dimensions of social difference and inequality especially in terms of race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, sexuality, disability and age
a critical understanding of, and an ability to engage with, the political and public policy processes, advocacy and social change.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is based roughly on a one hour lecture and two hour workshop format. Because of the professional skill development involved in this subject, however, there will at times be three hour practical workshops for project design, fieldwork, and analysis using computer labs. This subject will involve a range of activities including reading, practical workshop activities, conceptual and practical engagement in a class research project, as well as independent research and analysis.

Content

Foundations of research – why do we undertake research, what does it mean and how can it be used.
Ethics, power and politics – what does it mean to undertake research, particularly to the groups being researched? How can results be interpreted and what effect does it have on society and/or individuals?
The enquiry instrument – what are you asking, what do you need to know. How to choose different types of questions: precoded/forced choice, scales, rankings, ratings, open ended/probing.
Basic statistics – what is a statistic, what does it really mean, how do you work it out? Don't worry if you failed at maths, this is about principles not formulas. You do need to know why statistics matter and how they can be used.
Conducting interviews and surveys.
SPSS in the computer lab – you will need to use SPSS to enter your data, analyse your results and insert tables into your final reports.
Analysis – how does what you have found fit in with other research?
Writing it up – workshop on writing and presenting your results to get the best possible outcome from the research process.
Reporting the results – presenting your results to the class.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Comparison of methods for social research

Objectives	c, d
Value	20%
Due	Week 4
Word limit	1,500 words
Task	Compare and contrast any two methods for researching community and belonging in cities (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus-groups, observation). What kind of information does each method provide? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Give examples of at least two pieces of research on urban life in Sydney.
Assessment criteria	Demonstration of relevant reading and research Demonstrated ability to analyse appropriateness of social research techniques Clarity of written expression.

Assessment item 2: Analysis of a dataset

Objectives	a
Value	20%
Due	TBA Week
Word limit	1,000 words
Task	During TBA Week tutorial, you will be analysing one social dataset in detail (e.g. the 2001 Census, 2004 Federal Election results, Australian Survey of Social Attitudes, etc). For this assessment, write up a report analysing some of the data you find. You need to define a specific area to examine, for example: a local government area (LGA) an electorate a country a comparison of 2 countries/electorates/LGAs an issue (e.g. for Survey of Social Attitudes). Questions to answer: What is the general theme you are exploring in the dataset? (e.g. demographic profile, voting patterns, attitudes to a particular issue) What are the most interesting patterns you have found? What data surprised you and why? What limitations are there in the data? What conclusions can you draw from this data?
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to identify appropriate data for exploring specified theme Demonstrated ability to critically analyse quantitative data Clarity of written expression.

Assessment item 3: Research proposal

Objectives	1, 2
Value	20%
Due	TBA Week
Word limit	1,000 words
Task	The research proposal is your individual conceptualisation of the class research project. Based on the set topic area and the research questions developed in class, you will outline the key components of the project and contextualise the key issues it aims to explore. Your research proposal should cover the following elements: Statement of research topic Statement of research questions Draft set of questions Brief explanation of research method and analysis Expected practical and ethical issues.
Assessment criteria	Clarity of overall research project conceptualisation Depth, relevance, and use of background literature Consideration of practical and ethical issues Succinct expression and within word limit.

Assessment item 4: Research report

Objectives	All
Value	40%
Due	Week 14
Word Limit	2,000 words
Task	The research report will be your individual report on the class project. This will include discussion of the key components of the research process and your individual analysis and conceptual framing of the key findings of the research. Your report should include the following elements: Introduction: What is the research project about? Why is it important? Clear statement of research questions. Method and analysis: How did you do the research? Justify your choice of method and explain how the data was analysed. Findings: What were the key results you found? Ethical issues: Were there any ethical concerns with the research design and fieldwork? Conclusion & broader issues: What can you conclude from your findings? What broader issues or further research might your research point to? Appendix: Include your questionnaire and any other relevant material
Assessment criteria	Clarity of overall research project conceptualisation Clear discussion of research methodology and analysis Consideration of practical and ethical issues Succinct expression and within word limit.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

The following books and publications are listed for use as both a reading list and reference material. You need access to at least one book on social science research methods.

Referencing

Online and printable referencing guide: www.bell.uts.edu.au

For further referencing details and examples, see Style manual for authors, editors and printers, rev. Snooks and Co, John Wiley and Sons, Milton, Queensland.

As well as the texts from which your readings are drawn, there are many, many quantitative research texts available – the issue is not to become overwhelmed by them as many have a heavy statistical focus.

Below are a few texts which I have found most helpful:

*Punch, K. 2003, Survey research: The basics, Sage, London.
*Pallant, J. 2001, SPSS Survival manual, Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
Creswell, J. W. 2003, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, 2nd edn, Sage, Thousand Oaks.
De Vaus, D. A., 1995, Surveys in social research, 4th edn, Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
Dorling, D and Simpson, S. 1999, Statistics in society: The arithmetic of politics, Arnold, London.
Fink, A. 2003, The survey handbook, 2nd edn, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California.
Fink, A. 2003, How to ask survey questions, 2nd edn, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California.
Gilbert, N. 1993, Researching social life, Sage, London.
Hammersly, M. 1999, Social research: Philosophy, politics, and practice, Sage, London.
Punch, K. F. 1998, Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches, Sage, London.
Neuman, W. L. 2000, Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, 4th edn. Allyn and Bacon, Needham Heights, MA.
Sapsford, R. 1999, Survey research, Sage, London.