Introduction to Research Methods

Subject 191-004 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - 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 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour seminar/lab per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually one first year subject in criminology, sociology or political science, or related fields.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Julie Evans & Dr Tim Marjoribanks
Subject Overview:

This subject aims to provide second/third year students with a critical appreciation of different ways of approaching, undertaking and assessing research in criminology and sociology, and the social sciences and humanities generally. It emphasises the importance of understanding the research design process as a whole, while also introducing students to a range of qualitative, quantitative, comparative and mixed research methods. The subject also canvasses associated ethical issues, including in relation to Indigenous communities, and requires students to undertake a number of exercises on the principles and practice of research methods and design.

Assessment: Two written tasks totalling 2000 words (50%) due during semester and a research design assignment of 2000 words (50%) due at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to apply critical research skills and methods to a field of inquiry;

  • have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Notes:

Formerly available as 191-203/303. Students who have completed 191-203 or 191-303 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This is a methods subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Graduate Certificate in Criminology
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)

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