Research Methods in Social Sciences

Summary of module for applicants:

This module equips students with an understanding of how to take up and use a range of research methods to inform evidence based policy making with a view to them putting these into action to enhance their employability.

Main topics of study:

• Theoretical perspectives on researching social life
• Data selection for Informing Policy and Practice
• Participant and Stakeholder Engagement for Impactful Research
• Key Skills for Evidence Based Research: Interviews and Focus Groups
• Key Skills for Evidence Based Research: Questionnaires and Data Mapping
• Key Skills for Evidence Based Research: Ethnography and Participant Observation
• Multimedia and Digital Technologies
• Applying Ethical Protocols in the Workplace
• Working with Vulnerable and at Risk User Groups
• Analyzing and Presenting Data to Enhance Wider Take Up
• Developing conceptually robust and applied (industry-facing) research projects
• Maximizing the utility and impact of applied research

Learning Outcomes for the module

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Understanding research designs and their applicability in different industries (IC, COI, DP)

2. Identify the conceptual and practical implications of applying a particular research design to ‘real life’ contexts (SID, PID, CID)

Thinking skills

3. Critically assess research carried out in different contexts, using criteria appropriate to different sectors (COI, IC, CC)

4. Understand how to design, analyze and present data to generate impactful research (COI, DP, CC, UGB)

Subject-based practical skills

5. Devise and plan a user engagement and impact strategy (IC, CC, UGB)

6. Proficiency in digital and multimedia resources (DP, COI)

Skills for life and work (general skills)

7. Develop problem solving skills via effective team work (EID, SID, PID, CID, COI)

8. Apply ethical protocols in the workplace (EID, SID, PID, CID)