SOCL19063  Social Research Methods A

This course examines the nature and application of the scientific method to sociological research, the formulation of research propositions, and the development of operational research hypotheses. With this formulation as a ‘foil’, the course considers the field techniques employed by sociologists in the collection of empirical data (in both qualitative and quantitative research). Such techniques will include observation methods involving various levels of researcher participation; interviewing skills and procedures; and use of social survey methods. Preliminary data analysis is touched on briefly in this course, as well, and reports of application of these within research literature will be considered and critiqued.