LEVEL 4
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Research Strategies and Ethical Issues
Module Title:
Research Strategies and Ethical Issues
Module code:
SOC411
Cost Centre:
Semester(s) in which to be offered:
Existing/New:
New
1+2
4
With effect from:
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Social and Community
@ GU
Module duration (contact
hours/directed/
directed private study:
200
60
60
80
20
X210
September 2011
NA
Module Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Credit Value:
JACS2 code*:
GASY
Originating Academic area:
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
BA Hons Public and Social
Policy
Level:
Dr Claire Lloyd
Core
None
Pre-requisites per programme
(between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
None
None
Module Aims:

To develop essential study skills including: preparing a timetable for a research project and
producing a written report of a research project with an accurate list of references and
bibliography.


To develop skills in searching for and retrieving information, using library and internet resources.
To develop an awareness of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods available to
the social scientist.
To understand the strengths and weakness of a variety of research methods.
To develop practical research skills in data collection and analysis.
To develop an awareness of the ethical issues around the treatment of secondary and primary
data collection, analysis, and representation.



Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Apply research skills to search and retrieve information using the library and internet.
2. Evaluate published research reports with reference to their methodological rigour (e.g. reliability,
validity, generalisation) and ethical appropriateness.
3. Understand the different approaches to social research (e.g. quantitative and qualitative) and
consider their strengths and weaknesses.
4. Design and conduct basic research using one qualitative (interview) and one quantitative (survey)
method.
5. Understand the need to follow ethical guidelines when conducting research.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:

Research & Study Skills

Critical thinking skills

Communication Skills

Team working Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Information Technology Skills

Reflection on Learning
Indicative Assessment Task
Assessment 1: Report: Students will select a topic for investigation related to a public or social policy
and present an investigative report which reviews the advantages and limitations in the delivery and /or
implementation of the policy.
Assessment 2: Portfolio: Students will produce a written portfolio, detailing the results of practical
investigations using one qualitative and one quantitative method of investigation. The report will
include reflection on the research process and results of the investigation.
Assessment
Type of assessment
Weighting
1
Learning
Outcomes to
be met
1, 2, 3,
Duration
(if exam)
Investigative report
50%
Word count or
equivalent if
appropriate
2000
2
3, 4, 5,
Practical Portfolio:
50%
2000
Learning and Teaching Strategies
The module will use a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, discussions and workshops.
Syllabus Outline
In the first part of the course, students will focus on essential study skills such as time management,
report writing and referencing.
Students will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment of their current study and research skills in
order to identify areas of competence as well as areas for further development.
Students will also be introduced to a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that can
be used to investigate the social world.
Building upon this knowledge-base, in the second part of the course students will learn how to design
and conduct their own investigation. They will keep a practical portfolio, detailing the research design
and methods they have employed together with their own reflective comments on the strengths and
limitations of each approach.
Topics will include :

Time management and research planning

Report writing

References & Bibliography

How to retrieve information through the use of internet and library sources.

Methodological and ethical issues in research

Assessing published research

Qualitative and Quantitative methods of data collection

Research design

Ethical issues in research
Bibliography
Essential reading:

Cottrell, S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (3rd Edition). London: Palgrave MacMillan.

Gilbert, N. (ed) (2008) Researching Social Life (3rd Edition). London: Sage Publications Ltd.

Schutt, R. (2009). Investigating the Social World: The Process and Practice of Research (6th
edition) London, Sage.
Other indicative reading:

Atkinson, A. & Delamont, S (eds) (2010) SAGE Qualitative Research Methods (SAGE
Benchmarks in Social Research Methods series) London: Sage Publications, Ltd.

Blaxter, L. (2010) How to research (4th edition). Buckingham, Open University Press.

Creswell, J. (2008) Sage Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches. London: Sage Publications, Ltd.

Dolowitz, D., Buckler, S. & Sweeney, F. (2008). Researching Online. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan.

Fink, A. (2009) How to Conduct Surveys. London: Sage.

Greener, Ian. (2011). Designing Social Research: A Guide for the Bewildered. London, Sage.

Hammersley, M. (2011) Methodology? Who needs it? London: Sage.

Punch, K. (2005). Introduction to Social research: Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches. London,
Sage Publications, Ltd.

Walliman, N. (2011). Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time
Researcher. London: Sage.