With an emphasis on ability and accomplishment this course aims to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in social research methods. Students will be required to devise innovative primary research questions, to collect and interpret data and to contribute constructively and creatively to paired and small group work tasks. Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of both published research and raw data as presented in a variety of formats. Students will be able to describe and relate various methodological positions, to justify the rationale for conducting primary research and to compare and contrast different types of research.

Short paper contrasting distinct methodological approaches and generation of primary research questions of cutting edge topic: 20%
Questionnaire design with items and scales: 20%
Critically interpret a broad range of graphs, charts and statistical data: 20%
Prepare and apply grounded interview questions and analyse collected interview data: 20%
Conduct a quantitative and/or qualitative document analysis relevant to range of materials considered: 20%