SSC 07103
You must keep this handbook with you for all your USSR classes during this semester. READ it carefully as it contains essential information about the module.
SSC07103 Understanding Social Science Research – Module Handbook (2008-09)
CONTENTS
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION …………………. 2
WELCOME ………………………………………………………….. 3
TEACHING CONTACTS …………………………………………... 4
AIMS AND OUTCOMES …………………………………………… 5
MODULE TIMETABLE …………………………………………….. 6
METHODS OF STUDY …………………………………………….. 8
STUDY RESOURCES …………………………………………….. 10
ASSESSMENT …………………………………………………….. 12
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT ……………………………………… 17
STUDENT FEEDBACK …………………………………………… 18
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ……………………………………….. 19
APPENDICES
1: Articles for Assignment 1 ……………………………….. 22
2: Report coversheet ………………………………………… 97
3: Feedback sheet …………………………………………… 99
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Module Leader: Maggie Chapman
Contact Information: Room 307, South Craig, Craighouse
Tel: 0131 455 6532
Email: m.chapman@napier.ac.uk
Classes: Lectures: Mondays 11am-12noon, Merchiston
Room A17, weeks 2-12
Workshops: Mondays or Fridays, weeks 2-12
Various times/places depending on group
Stats classes: Thursdays or Fridays, weeks 2-12
Tutorial rooms and Jack Kilby computer lab
Assessment: 1: Evaluative Report, 2500 words, worth 70%
Part 1 due: tutorial classes in week 5
Part 2 due: 4pm, Mon 19th January (week 15)
2: Statistics Portfolio, worth 30%
Ongoing, in-class assessments and tests
Communication: Email: make sure you check your university email address regularly, as this is the one that will be used for module notices
WebCT: check WebCT regularly for announcements, information updates, guidelines and discussion fora
WELCOME
Welcome to this module – an introduction to the whys and wherefores of social science research. You will learn about specific social sciences (geography, history, politics, psychology and sociology) in the other modules over the course of your degree. However, you are also expected to develop an understanding of research – what it is, why social scientists research, how they research. This will provide the foundations for the research project that you will have to complete in your final (honours) year. This module will introduce you to some of the approaches to social scientific concepts, ideas, and debates that you will be discussing in more detail in later years. It also provides an introduction to handling data, as well as developing generic skills that will be applicable throughout your time at university.
The module addresses four broad questions:
· What is social science research?
· What are the different types of social science research?
· How do we assess social science research?
· How do we handle social science data or information?
This module handbook provides information about the module, including class timetables, assessment information, reading lists and study skills information. Please keep it safe for reference throughout the course of the module.
A Workshop Handbook with workshop activities and selected readings has been prepared to accompany this module. This is available from your workshop tutor or from the School of Health and Social Sciences Office, Room 201, South Craig, Craighouse Campus. You will need to pay (£2) for this handbook at Reception at Merchiston BEFORE you can collect it, but please make sure you collect it as soon as possible as it contains essential information for the workshops/tutorial classes.
A Statistics Handbook with data handling exercises and information for the stats practicals/labs is the third booklet that you need to collect and keep safe. These will be distributed in the first stats class in week 2, so please make sure you bring £2 to pay for this handbook.
TEACHING CONTACTS
Module Leader Maggie Chapman
Rm 307 South Craig, Craighouse Campus
Other HSS Staff Kathy Charles
Tel: 0131 455 6423 Email: k.charles@napier.ac.uk
Salma Siddique
Tel: 0131 455 6462 Email: s.siddique@napier.ac.uk
Morag Williamson
Tel: 0131 455 6010 Email: m.williamson@napier.ac.uk
Maths/stats staff Geoff Pontin
Tel: 0131 455 4363 Email: g.pontin@napier.ac.uk
Ian Thomson
Tel: 0131 455 4366 Email: ia.thomson@napier.ac.uk
Ian Morton
Email: 07010725@napier.ac.uk
Any general queries, comments or feedback regarding this module should be directed to Maggie Chapman. All staff can be contacted by email, and we encourage you to contact us in this way as it avoids wasted trips to see us when we are not in. We can also be contacted by phone – leave a message if you get an answering machine and we will return your call. Messages can also be left with the Faculty Administrator, Anthea Main, in the School Office, Room 201, South Craig, 455 6011, a.main@napier.ac.uk
WebCT
You should all have access to WebCT, where you will find information about all your modules. For this module, WebCT will be used as a storage site for Module information, lecture slides, workshop notes, data sets, assignment details and discussion fora. You MUST keep an eye on this site to ensure that you are kept up-to-date with additional information or module changes.
AIMS AND OUTCOMES
Aim
The aim of the module is to introduce you to the key issues and debates in Social Science research.
Learning Outcomes
During the course of the module, you will:
1. Gain an appreciation of the nature of ‘evidence’ and its application within social science research
2. Identify key theoretical concepts which underpin social science research
3. Identify similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative methodologies
4. Outline ethical concerns associated with different types of social science research
5. Organise data and conduct basis statistical tests using SPSS
6. Gain experience in academic report writing
This module will therefore allow you to distinguish between ‘common sense’ approaches and systematic approaches in planning and executing research...
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