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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 ) $1,103.10
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

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 Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
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
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