Module Information

Module Identifier
GS21220
Module Title
Sociological Research in the 'Field'
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
GS20620 This module builds on the sociological knowledge and skills gained in the first semester research methods module (GS20620), where they learn about different sociological research methodologies/data analysis, their epistemological underpinnings and ethics.
Reading List

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Reflective report on research process (individual)  1500 Words  30%
Semester Assessment Individual write-up of group project  2500 Words  70%
Supplementary Assessment Individual write-up of group project  2500 Words  70%
Supplementary Assessment Reflective report on research process (individual)  1500 Words  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Work cooperatively in a group to realise a sociological research project.

Analyse and write a research report to appropriately disseminate the findings of sociological research.

Demonstrate an appreciation of the practical and intellectual components of undertaking primary sociological research.

Evaluate, in detail, the performance of self and others in a group work context and identify resulting development needs.

Brief description

This module provides students with first-hand involvement in carrying out a small-scale empirical research project. Working in small groups, students will execute a pre-defined research project. Following some key teaching sessions, students will take part in an intensive supervised data collection week, collecting data, and analysing it collectively. Then write up a research individual research report and reflective account. Students will gain valuable experience in group data collection, write up and reflections on the sociological research process, which will form essential learning for them to successfully complete their individual dissertations in sociology.

Content

The module objectives will be delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. This will include a week-long intensive supervised data collection period. The topics that will be covered include:

• Developing ethics materials
• Designing a research instrument
• Challenges and dilemmas of collecting data in the ‘field’
• Reflexivity and reflective writing
• Recruitment problem solving
• Ethical dilemmas in data collection
• Working effectively in groups

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience Overcoming the practical challenges of doing sociological research and not losing sight of the research aims.
Creative Problem Solving Problem solving is a key skill in research data collection. Often research and group work does not go to plan, so students need to find innovative solutions to issues like recruitment.
Critical and analytical thinking Critical thinking is a key sociological skill and something with is required when analysing data, and interpreting sociological literature.
Professional communication Students will learn how to professionally communicate the results of sociological research, via formal report writing skills.
Reflection Students will need to be reflexive about their role in the data collection process, write up and also reflect on their learning in relation to doing sociological research.
Subject Specific Skills This module will deliver subject specific skills in sociological research aim to enhance their dissertation research project and make our graduates employable in a number of complementary career fields.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5