Social Research PG (11636.1)

This unit prepares students for research inquiry in multiple and complex contexts. It details the research process, with a focus on expert skills for critical evaluation of reported research, and adept framing and designing of research projects.

Students will acquire advanced knowledge on how data are collected by means of interviews, questionnaires, observation, or case studies, and how data are analysed and interpreted. Students become accomplished in quantitative and qualitative research approaches and make skilled decisions in adopting a paradigm. The unit is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the major research approaches and methodologies that are needed to conduct complex and crucial social research.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify, frame, contextualise, and justify a contemporary research problem and propose a means of problem;
2. Critically review and evaluate extant literature that surrounds a research endeavour and, based on that critical review of the literature, determine research gaps and discrepancies; and
3. Master and apply philosophical positions and assumptions that underpin research and how they inform choice of methodology and method.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
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 - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
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
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.