Course Details in 2018/19 Session

Module Title	LM Introduction to Social Science Research
School	COS - College Hub
Department	COS - College Hub
Module Code	08 21871
Module Lead	Stephen Gorard
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	MA Social Research
Exclusions
Description	This course provides a general introduction to studying research and methods, and to preparing for a dissertation. After induction, the course emphasises key skills such as searching literature, finding existing datasets, referencing, taking notes, ability to read and present a table of numbers, presenting an argument, and criticising an argument. It continues with consideration of generic issues for research, such as the two main principles of ethics for applied empirical research (no harm to those taking part, and pursuit of quality for those not taking part), negotiating access to research sites, the role of theory, the philosophical bases for understanding the social world, and synthesising existing research (through focus on the findings rather than the conclusions). Detailed consideration of ethics, such as how to handle approval for research, should be covered by the Graduate School as a Roberts-funded issue.
Learning Outcomes	On completion of the module, students are expected to be able to: demonstrate skill in locating research literature; synthesise the findings from different studies; locate and use existing datasets; identify the key elements in an argument; have familiarity with concerns about the ethics of research write a research-based report with a coherent structure.
Assessment	21871-01 : 4000 word individual report : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	4,000 word report drawing on methods and approaches introduced during the course.
Other
Reading List