CARE08076 2022 Social Science Research Methods

General Details

Full Title
Social Science Research Methods
Transcript Title
Social Scie Research Methods
Code
CARE08076
Attendance
50 %
Subject Area
CARE - Social Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Dr. Jacqueline O'Toole, Gwen Scarbrough, Susan McDonnell, Brenda Feeney, Leigh-Ann Sweeney
Programme Membership
SG_HSOCI_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice SG_HSOCP_H08 202300 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice SG_HSOCI_H08 202300 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice
Description

This module introduces students to research methods in a systematic fashion. It builds on basic ideas of research discussed in the previous two years of the programme. It explores the nature of the social scientific method and research skills as applied to the design, collection, analysis, management, and interpretation of data.  This module will also provide students with an overview of epistemological and ontological issues in relation to the social research process.

This module maps to the CORU Standards of Proficiency below:

Domain 1: Professional Autonomy and Accountability

Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice and Team working

Domain 3: Safety & Quality

Domain 4: Professional Development

Domain 5: Professional Knowledge and Skills

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Have an advanced understanding of social research strategies (Domain: 1.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15)

2.

Identify and evaluate ethics in social research (Domain: 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.15, 1.16, 1.18, 3.6, 4.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17)

3.

Explain and apply the techniques of research practice (Domain: 1.15, 1.16, 1.18, 2.6, 3.6, 4.5, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.17)

4.

Critically read, summarise and synthesise relevant literature(Domain: 1.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15)

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The model of learning emphasises a shared learning experience, peer support, and guidance from the lecturer.

Independent learning required

Module Assessment Strategies

The module assessment allows for assessment of CORU Standards of Proficiency as follows:

Literature Review Group Project: Domain 1.13, 1.16, 1.18, 2.6, 3.6, 4.5, 5.15, 5.17

Research Proposal: Domain 1.1, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.15, 1.16, 1.18, 2.6, 3.6, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.15, 5.17

Repeat Assessments

Repeat written assignments

Module Dependencies

Prerequisites
CARE08014 201600 Dissertation/Research Project

Indicative Syllabus

1. Social research strategies

-  Theory and research

-  Epistemological considerations

- Ontological considerations

- Qualitative and Quantitative research

 

2. Ethics and equality in social research

- Discourses of ethics and equality in research practice

- Codes of ethics of SAI, PSI, BSA and other relevant bodies

-  Anti-oppressive practice within research

 

3. Advanced research design and practice

·         defining the topic

·         designing a research project

·         developing research questions

·         writing a proposal

·         conducting a literature review

·         data collection: qualitative and quantitative approaches

·         data management

·         analysing qualitative and quantitative data

·         assessing the work of researchers

·         describe different and competing research on similar topics

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Research Proposal Coursework Assessment Assignment 60 % End of Term 1,2,3
2 Literature Review Coursework Assessment Group Project 40 % Week 6 4
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Lecture Flat Classroom Tutorial 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent learning 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Baker, T. (1994) Doing social research. New York: McGraw Hill.

Ballinger, B. (2001) The curious researcher: A guide to writing research papers. Pearson.

Bell, J. and S. Waters (2014)  Doing your own research project.  London: OUP, 6th edition.

Bryman, A (2016) Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 5th edition.

Bulmer, M. (1984) Sociological research methods. London: Macmillan.

Creswell, J. (2013) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. London: Sage

Denscombe, M (2007)  The good research guide for small-scale research projects.  Berkshire: Open University Press. 3rd edition  

Edwards, A. and R. Talbot (1999) The hard-pressed researcher: A research handbook for the caring professions.  New York: Longman.

Hughes, J. (1997) The philosophy of social research. London: Longman.

Humphries, B. (ed) (2000) Research in social care and social welfare.  London: Jessica Kingsley.

Kane, E. and M. O’ Reilly De Brun (2001) Doing your own research. London: Boyars.

May, T. (2011) Social research. London: OUP. 4th edition.

Robert-Holmes, G. (2005) Doing Your Early Years Research Project. London: Sage.

Sarantakos, S. (2012) Social research. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 4th edition.

Seale, C. (2012) Researching Society and Culture. London: Sage

Journal Resources
URL Resources

http://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/

http://sociologicalimagination.org/

Other Resources

None

Additional Information

None