Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
Methods of Social Research
Undergraduate | MAQ-SOCX2000 | 2020
Previously MAQ-SOCX224
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Integrate an array of social research methods into your skill set. Weigh up statistical research techniques. Look through case studies and engage in textual analysis. Structure your work by learning to formulate robust research questions.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Methods of Social Research
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will:
- learn about the range of qualitative and quantitative social research methods and know when each should be used in social research
- gain first-hand experience in using social research methods, including becoming familiar with the technologies used in social research
- demonstrate an understanding of the major problems confronting social researchers, especially: the scientific status of social science research; the strengths and weaknesses of different methods; questions relating to validity and reliability; and ethical considerations in social research
- be able to scope a research problem, prepare a research proposal in response to this problem and outline a program of research to address the issues being considered
- develop proficiency in generic skills required to undertake social research. These include: high level information retrieval, critical reading and conceptual skills, problem development and writing skills; and skills in the preparation of research proposals, literature reviews and assessment of research
- Introduction: Research in the social sciences
- Research traditions, research designs and research questions
- Identifying research data - Using secondary sources
- Qualitative research
- Collecting qualitative data
- Analysing qualitative data
- Quantitative research in practice
- Introduction to Quantitative Research
- Social Surveys and Sampling
- Writing Social Surveys
- Quantitative Data Analysis I
- Quantitative Data Analysis II
- Ethics in social research
This subject was previously known as SGY240, SOCX224 Methods of Social Research.
Social research is essential in the contemporary world and an important field of employment for graduates in the social sciences and humanities. This unit gives students an opportunity to develop practical skills designing social and organisational research; and in collecting, analysing and presenting data to address research questions. You will consider the best research methods to use and the problems, limitations and traps likely to be encountered by inexperienced researchers. You will also consider the ethical issues in social research, and the impact of new information technologies on social research. A major emphasis in the unit is on the practice of social research. A series of task-based activities introduces major methodological techniques, basic qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviewing, focus groups, textual analysis, and participant observation. Students also receive a basic introduction to SPSS. Research methods useful to community generated research are also explored. No knowledge of statistics is required
- Weekly Quiz (10%)
- Participation (10%)
- Research Proposal Group Component (10%)
- Research Proposal Individual Component (10%)
- Final Report Group Component (15%)
- Final Report Individual Component (15%)
- Final Exam (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-SGY240 (Not currently available)
MAQ-SOCX224-Methods of Social Research (no longer available)
Others
You must complete Level 1 Sociology before starting this subject.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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