AMU2453 - Research methods in the social sciences - 2018

The unit introduces critical and practical approaches to research in the social sciences, presenting first a critical overview of the rationale for research practice in industry and academia, and then an outline of various traditions of inquiry. This material is followed by a series of lectures on specific quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The material is framed within an ongoing review of key ethical and critical concepts.

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand the uses of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in academic and industry contexts;
2. Understand the uses of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in science and non-science environments;
3. Understand the nature and use of a theoretical framework in a research project;
4. Define and formulate a research project, including hypotheses, research problems and questions, goals, ethical considerations, literature reviews,theoretical frameworks, and data collection, analysis and interpretation methods;
5. Demonstrate sound awareness of ethical principles in research practices;
6. Reflect on relationships between local and global frameworks in developing approaches to research.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

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