Postgraduate Course: Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection (PGSP11016)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Postgrad (School of Social and Political Studies) |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | Data Collection is concerned with the techniques and practices of doing empirical research. This course teaches professional competence in gathering information by talking to people, collecting documents, conducting surveys and observing social interaction. We cover a range of associated issues, including identifying and using different sources; recruiting and negotiating access to research respondents; formulating questions and managing interviews and focus groups; sampling populations and designing surveys; recording observations; research ethics.
PLEASE NOTE that the course provides a basic introduction to key methods of data collection in social and political research. It is a core course for all students taking MSc by Research, MSc Social Research or PhD programmes in SSPS. Students who have taken research methods courses at undergraduate level or on other postgraduate programmes are likely to be exempt from this course, and are recommended to choose more advanced options. Exemptions are made at the discretion of a student's supervisor and/or programme director. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Delivery period: 2012/13 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: 173 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | 09:00 - 09:50 | | | | |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principal methods of data collection used by social scientists;
- plan and use one or more of these methods in developing an empirical research project;
- critically reflect on the appropriateness and effectiveness of different methods in different circumstances;
- discuss the essential problems and methods of data collection with peers and others, both orally and in writing;
- display appropriate levels of responsibility in working alone and in collaboration with others, notably in the application of ethical and other professional guidelines. |
Assessment Information
Data Collection is assessed by a course paper of 4 000 words which also requires students to carry out a short practical exercise. This is an integral part of the course, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate and reflect on all their learning in lectures and workshops and through independent study.
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Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Introduction; Documents; Visual data; Interviewing; Focus groups; Ethnographic methods; Survey and questionnaire design; Research ethics
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| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Becker, H.S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to think about your research while you're doing it, Chicago University Press
Jane Ritchie and Jane Lewis (eds) (2003) Qualitative Research Practice: A guide for social science students and researchers, Sage
Alan Bryman (2008) Social Research Methods, third edition, Oxford University Press
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| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Richard Freeman
Tel: (0131 6)50 4680
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Gillian Macdonald
Tel: (0131 6)51 3244
Email: |
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