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    Overview

    An introduction to how sociological research is undertaken, with a specific focus on how to research social problems in New Zealand society, research design, ethical considerations and techniques of sociological data collection.

    Social science research helps us understand our world and underpins decisions about policy, business, health and more. Knowing the process of sociological research will help you spot misinformation, confidently read reports and news, and support your studies. The ability to conduct high-quality social research is a valuable and sought-after skill that opens up a multitude of employment opportunities. This paper introduces the core techniques used by social scientists to conduct qualitative and quantitative research.

    About this paper

    Paper title Sociological Research in Practice
    Subject Sociology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    (SOCI 101 or SOCI 102 or SOCI 103) or 54 points
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Notes
    May not be credited together with GEOG280 passed before 2005.
    Eligibility

    Suitable for undergraduate students interested in understanding and conducting social science research.

    Contact

    sgsc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott

    Paper Structure

    This paper combines core concepts with hands-on practice.

    Teaching Arrangements

    One 2-hour lecture per week

    One 50-minute tutorial per week

    Textbooks

    Texts and readings will be available on eReserve and online.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Become familiar with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences
    • Examine surveys, interviews, and fieldwork
    • Identify research approaches underlying these methods
    • Understand how to make meaning from data
    • Recognise ethical concerns
    • Communicate social research
    • Identify misinformation and misuse of research
    • Explain the social structure of research

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Thursday 10:00-11:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    T1 Tuesday 12:00-12:50 10-13, 15-22
    T2 Wednesday 10:00-10:50 10-13, 15-22
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