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SO3524: SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (2024-2025)

Last modified: 17 Dec 2024 11:46


Course Overview

Sociologists use a range of methods and techniques to explore and test sociological theory. This module introduces many of these methods and techniques. It aims to ground students’ theoretical understanding of society through the practical analysis of a variety of data. It starts by introducing the varying philosophical starting points of research and goes on to provide foundation level critical analysis skills in the key quantitative and qualitative methods that sociologists have deployed to understand and ‘capture’ the social world.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Rhoda M. Wilkie

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course covers the following areas:

  • Underlying philosophy of social science research in terms of what counts as knowledge.
  • Qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviewing and participant observation.
  • Quantitative research methods, such as sampling and questionnaire construction and design.
  • Elementary statistical analyses, such as graphical displays of data, measures of central tendency and variation, cross-tabulations and elaboration.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Take-home Exam/Assignment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Take-home Essay/Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

2x Weekly online quizzes

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
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Quizzes are 5% each.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Take Home Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Two sections in the resit paper: first section (50%) three questions covering material from the qualitative section of the course. Students answer one question from this section. Second section (50%) covering material from the quantitative section of the course: this section of the resit paper would be more than one question, similar in style to what is currently in place for the main quantitative paper (but shorter). It is in the style of an assignment with a range of short answer questions that are all to be answered. It will include conducting analysis and interpreting the findings as well as answering conceptual questions about the material.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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