-  Introduce students to a range of research methods used in sociological research.
- To give stduents some practical experience of data collection, analysis and presentation.
- To encourage students to think about the ethical, epistemological and practical considerations of designing a research study and conducting social research.
- To reflect on the role of the researcher in collecting and generating data.

(LO1) Select a research method to inform a particular research area/ research questions.

(LO2) Analyse and present primary qualitative data.

(LO3) Consider the ethical implications of their research, and demonstrate a good understanding of situated field ethics.

(LO4) Reflect critically on their role as a researcher and demonstrate and awareness of the socio-political context of research.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Research skills - Ethical awareness

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

This module is concerned with understandings of the epistemological and practical application of research methods in sociological inquiry in order to prepare students for their third year independent research modules.
Through lectures, seminars and independent study, students will gain understandings as to how the complex interplay between the aims of the research, the generation of research questions, the research field and available resources and research participants, combines to inform both the design and conduct of research.

After a general introduction to the theory of social research and a consideration of research ethics, lectures will go on to explore key areas including: situated field ethics; different forms of interviews; focus group discussions; observation and visual methods; and different methods of analysis and ways to present data.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The lectures are designed to introduce students to different approaches to data collection and to direct students to the areas they need to go on to cover in their
independent study through reading, writing and reflection.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Face to Face synchronous seminars, safety permitting
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars provide a space for students to think about research issues and to engage in active debate and discussion, and gain some experience of data collection
and data analysis. These processes enable students to gain confidence by expressingn their ideas and help students in their preparation for their assessments.