Research Methods in Social Science (10086.1)

Research methods are an important part of the social sciences. They enable researchers to uncover evidence, develop theories and better understand how the social, economic and political worlds operate. This unit introduces students to some of the basic research methods in the social scientist's "toolkit". It will explore why and how certain tools are used to examine particular social phenomena. The unit will also teach students to develop and evaluate social scientific research design. By the end of this unit, students will be in a position to use qualitative research techniques used within the social sciences. Students will also be able to explain why social scientists use and apply these techniques to particular phenomena.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Formulate research questions, theories and hypotheses;
2. Describe the basics of standard research approaches in the social sciences;
3. Evaluate the soundness of research design;
4. Further enhance research abilities;
5. Improve communication and critical thinking skills
6. Undertake basic qualitative research; and
7. Perform basic qualitative analysis.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

Research Methods in Political Science, 9553.

Equivalent units

Research Methods in Political Science, 9553

Assumed knowledge

None.