57097 Advanced Social Research

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

Handbook description

This subject explores the relation between theory and research practice, through an examination of methodologies. It provides opportunities to look at key theoretical orientations and the methodologies used by theorists to undertake research in a variety of disciplinary and methodological contexts and, in particular, the nature of the knowledges produced in this process. The subject also provides a series of intensive methods workshops, that may be offered as day-long master classes, or as a workshop series, including qualitative and quantitative methods, action research, research on the Internet and research in policy contexts.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

Describe the relation between theory and method in a research project.
Understand a selection of methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses
Identify processes for collecting, processing and interpreting various sorts of data about the social world
Interpret research findings and analyse their validity and social implications.
Develop a proposal for a research project.

Contribution to graduate profile

Develops analytical skills in understanding research processes.
Builds capacity to define knowledge needs and elaborate a research program.
Promotes capacity to communicate research outcomes to relevant audiences.
Establishes base for major project work.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject involves lectures, student led seminars, and research methods workshops. Group based learning is promoted.

Content

Topics may include Research as Discovery, Research in the Policy Environment, Postmodernism and Social Research, Researching across cultures: ethnicity, disability and class; Action Research; Quantitative research; Researching culture and communication in an online environment; and Ethics and rights in research, and other topics identified by students.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Seminar presentation

Objectives	Demonstrate capacity to analyse a seminar question, research the issues involved, and present and lead a focused discussion that raises critical issues. Demonstrate capacity to provide a written reflective commentary on the process.
Value	20%
Due	Presentation as allocated; Write up due on UTS Online within one week of presentation.
Task	Students are allocated a seminar topic. They research the topic, provide a dot point summary to the class of the issues, then make an opening presentation on the topic and lead the discussion around it. Within one week students post the write up (3-4 pages) of the presentation, a summary of additional readings, discussion, and their reflection and conclusions, to UTS Online.
Assessment criteria	evidence of reading and preparation materials provided to class critical insight and reflection.

Assessment item 2: Group research skills audit project

Objectives	Develop skills in building a research team, identifying appropriate methods and undertaking research.
Value	30%
Due	Week 9
Task	As part of a group, identify research question, select appropriate method, and implement research, collect data and report back on process.
Assessment criteria	evidence of reading participation in group work development undertaking research contributing to report.

Assessment item 3: Dot point research proposal

Objectives	Develop skill in 'mind mapping' a research project, and projecting its basic form and process.
Value	10%
Due	Week 10
Word limit	1-2 pages
Task	Develop a simple outline of a research proposal, including summary of research question, approach, and significance.
Assessment criteria	identification of key stages of research process understanding of relation between theoretical stance and methodology.

Assessment item 4: Research proposal

Objectives	Develop capacity to prepare a fully developed research proposal.
Value	40%
Due	Week 15
Word limit	4,000 words
Task	A fully developed research proposal including definition of research issue, background, and methodology.
Assessment criteria	evidence of understanding of research process range of background reading rationale for methodology chosen.

Minimum requirements

Attend seminars and workshops

Participate in group project

Attempt all assessment items.

Indicative references

Highly recommended: Alan Bryman (2004) Social Research Methods, 2e, Oxford, OUP.

Course readings booklet

Additional references etc. on website