Studying at York
Doing Research - SOC00012I
- Department: Sociology
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Peter Gardner
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
- See module specification for other years: 2021-22
Module summary
On this module you will be introduced to social science research methods. Through collaborative work in research teams you will practice both qualitative and quantitative research methods and plan your own research project.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
| B | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
To provide a critical introduction to a broad range of sociological research methods.
Module learning outcomes
The objectives of this module are to enable students:
- to understand the principles of sociological research
- to appreciate the ethical issues involved in undertaking social research
- to acquire skills in the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques of research
- to judge what methods and techniques are appropriate to particular research problems; and
- to develop their critical abilities to appraise published research findings in their own substantive areas of study
Indicative assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting Student Assessment Essay |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting Student Assessment Essay |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback at University level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme by providing commentary on your work to date. So feedback means more than just written comments on written work. We aim to help you to reflect on your own learning and to feel clearer about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you informative and summative assessments. The University guidelines for feedback are available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.
You will receive feedback in a number of forms:
-
On any formative (non-assessed) work, you will receive written or verbal feedback about how to improve your work (though you may not receive a mark)
-
On summative work (work that is assessed) you will receive detailed written feedback from the marker. This is intended to show areas in which you have done well, and areas in which you need to improve. Team presentations will receive feedback per group.
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Your supervisor will also give you feedback on your work. They will be able to look across a range of your work and discuss ways in which you can build on your strengths and improve in any areas
Feedback on your summative written work is made available to you online via e:vision. You will receive an email telling you when it is ready to look at. You are then advised to take this work (printed out or on your laptop) to your regular meeting with your academic supervisor. Your supervisor will be able to look at your work with you and address any queries you have, as well as advise you on ways to improve your work.
Feedback on Exam Scripts
You can ask for feedback on your exam performance from your supervisor, who will go through your examination script(s) with you and discuss the areas in which you did well, and those in which you need to improve. However, you may not take the script away with you, or photocopy the script. If you would like to discuss your exam performance, please let your supervisor know at least two working days in advance of your meeting, so that they can make sure they have the script with them when you meet.
On this module specifically: You will receive formative feedback in E-Portfolio computer lab sessions throughout the module. These sessions will include practical advice on the completion of the E-Portfolio, as well as the opportunity to receive feedback on E-Portfolio elements from peers and teaching staff. You will receive feedback following your group presentations in the Autumn term, both formally and through the group discussions. There will also be drop-in sessions held at various points of the module for you to receive more in-depth one to one support and feedback.
Indicative reading
Bryman, A. (2009) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2001) Researching Social Life (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Seale, C. (ed.)(2004) Researching Society and Culture (2nd ed.) London: Sage