Social Research Design and Evaluation

Subject SOCI90005 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week. If enrolments exceed 30, the 2nd hour of the seminar may be split into 2 or 3 small classes.
Total Time Commitment:

10

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Sociology at Undergraduate level

Non Allowed Subjects:

166-554 Social Research Design and Evaluation

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Reza Hasmath

Contact

Dr. Reza Hasmath

rhasmath@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines various social research design and evaluation approaches to the study of social interaction. Students will critically examine the utility of and theoretical underpinnings behind advanced methods of collecting, analysing and writing up social research. The subject will also analyse the relationship between policy evaluation and social research, notably in the context of debates around evidence based policy.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should

  • be able to examine the processes of social research, including designing a research proposal, conducting fieldwork, and writing up a final research paper or report.
  • be familiar with research strategies, methods and ethics in social research design and evaluation
  • be able to understand the relationship between policy evaluation and social research design
Assessment:

A reading critique assignment of 1000 words (20%) due early in the semester, a response paper of 1000 words (20%) due after mid-semester, a research proposal of 3000 words (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject.Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment that is submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

Reading materials will be available online via the subject's LMS site

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry.
  • be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic.
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Notes:

This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Social Policy (100 & 200-point programs).

Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Policy
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Political Science
Political Science
Politics and International Studies
Socio-Legal studies
Socio-legal Studies
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology

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