HUMN 2050 Social Research Methods (Block Mode)

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101767

Coordinator Jane Mears Opens in new window

Description In this subject students are introduced to the research process and different approaches to research. Key research themes and concepts are examined, and students learn methods and techniques for gathering, analysing, and interpreting research data. The ethical and practical implications of research and the use of research results are discussed. Indigenous research issues are addressed, particularly for research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and communities.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Sociology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects HUMN 2049 - Social Research Methods LGYA 7650 - Research and the Human Services (AREPMETRO)

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1689 Bachelor of Community and Social Development and must have successfully completed 60 credit points including subject 101763 - Understanding Society (Block Mode).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Review research literature as a first step in the research process;
  2. Identify issues to be considered at each stage of the research process for both qualitative and quantitative research;
  3. Identify and explain key research themes and concepts;
  4. Apply research knowledge and skills to design a small scale research project;
  5. Apply research knowledge and skills to conduct a small scale research project, and analyse and interpret the results;
  6. Recognise and act to address issues in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and communities.

Subject Content

- Approaches to research: key themes and concepts (e.g., epistemology, ontology, axiology; variability and measurement; reliability and validity; correlation and causation)
- methods and methodology: Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods
- designing research: literature Review, theoretical framework, questions and hypotheses, methodology, data collection, data analysis and interpretation
- research ethics
- Sampling
- Qualitative interviews; qualitative designs
- survey methodology and questionnaire design
- Analysing Qualitative data
- Analysing quantitative data (statistical analysis and analysis software)
- Reporting research
- indigenous research Issues, particularly for research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and communities.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Annotated Bibliography 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Research Report: Methodology 1,000 words 40 N Individual
Research Report: Results and Discussion 1,000 words 30 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Walter, M. (Ed.). (2019). Social research methods (4th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Structures that include subject