POLITICS 769

Advanced Research Skills


Please note: this is archived course information from 2017 for POLITICS 769.

Description

This is a course designed to provide grounding in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with particular emphasis on computer-assisted skills in data management, analysis and interpretation.

Course objectives

  • To develop an understanding of the major steps and components of a range of quantitative and qualitative research processes, albeit largely within a computer-mediated environment using existing data sets and standard software.
  • To develop an understanding of the principal steps in quantitative and qualitative data management and analysis, and to practice the application of those skills.
  • To gain skill and experience in using a standard data analysis software package in each “paradigm” (SPSS for quantitative, NVivo for qualitative).
  • To develop a practical appreciation of the relationship in both quantitative and qualitative research between theory, research design, analysis and reporting.

POLITICS 769 consists of two methodological components, one with the emphasis on quantitative techniques, the other qualitative.

Find out more about the first instalment of the course: the quantitative module.

View examples of student presentations in this course.

Availability 2017

Semester 1

Lecturer(s)

TBA

Recommended Reading

Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods, 4th Edition (Oxford University Press).

Points

POLITICS 769: 15 points

Restrictions

SOCIOL 701, SOCSCRES 702, 703