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SP10059: Becoming a social science researcher: Part 1

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • CW 20% (CW 20%)
  • PF 80% (CW 80%)

Information regarding synoptic assessment for this unit will be published shortly. In the meantime please contact the Director of Studies or consult your programme handbook for further details.

Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
SP10059 Reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Description: Aims:
The aims of this unit are to introduce students to:
1. Key academic skills related to using literature
2. the major qualitative methodological traditions in social science research and their application in the fields of social policy, criminology and international development
3. the main principles of qualitative research design
4. some of the main uses of social science knowledge
5. key study and learning skills required in social sciences

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit the students should be able to:
* understand the relationship between social science arguments and evidence;
* source and critically evaluate published research studies;
* match and use appropriate qualitative research methods to an area of social science investigation proper to their programme of study;
* reflect on and develop their research skills;
* use basic Information and Computing Technology (ICT) skills.

Skills:
Research skills:
* to think creatively and analytically
* to evaluate others' arguments and research
* to critically evaluate and assess research and evidence from a number of different sources
* to select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
* to synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding
* to utilise problem solving skills
* to develop and practice skills required for both social science research methods.
Study skills:
* Note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing
* Basic information and computer technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information)
* Essay research, preparation and writing skills
* Time-management and administrative skills
* To learn independently and be able to assess one's own learning needs.

Content:

* Reading and reviewing academic literature
* Library searching (including online searches)
* Writing and avoiding plagiarism
* Introduction to qualitative research methods
* Research ethics and social research
* The uses of social science knowledge
* Knowledge of applied qualitative research
* Reviewing non-academic sources
* Using university information systems.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP10059 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 1)

SP10059 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB22 : BSc(Hons) Criminology (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB22 : BSc(Hons) Criminology with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AFB21 : BSc(Hons) International Development with Economics (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB21 : BSc(Hons) International Development with Economics with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 1)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.