Social Research Design and Evaluation

Subject SOCI90005 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

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/

 CoordinatorDr Tim Marjoribanks ContactDr. Reza Hasmath 

Subject Overview:	This subject provides a critical and practical engagement with social research design and evaluation, in a range of societal contexts including, but not limited to, social policy. As such, it provides theoretical frameworks and research skills for analysing and engaging with contemporary social relations, problems and challenges. We begin by examining how social researchers identify research problems and design research, and then move onto a consideration of the range of approaches to the collection and analysis of data, and the writing up of research. We also analyse the relationship between evaluation and social research, in the context of debates around evidence based policy and the effectiveness (or otherwise) of social interventions. On completion of the subject, the written work and class participation will provide students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in key aspects of social research design and evaluation.
Objectives:	Understand the processes of social research, including designing a research proposal, conducting research, and writing up a final research paper or report. Be familiar with research strategies and methods used in social research design and evaluation, including the ethics and politics of research design and evaluation. Demonstrate knowledge of evaluation strategies and methods. Have gained experience in social research design and evaluation .
Assessment:	A written response paper of 1000 words (20%) due prior to mid-semester, a written social research opinion piece of 1000 words (20%) due after mid-semester, a written research proposal of 3000 words (60%) due at end of semester. 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 submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be made available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
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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