Applied Research Methods

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Levels 1 and 2 Politics and International Studies, Criminology or Sociology

MULT30018 Applied Political Research

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/

This subject provides students with training in applied social science research methods. Students will learn how to connect a research question with appropriate research design and methodology and acquire practical skills in utilising different research methods and tools, including analysing data and presenting results. The subject will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods and the practical skills to carry out social science research.

On completion of this subject students should:

• develop an ability to relate different research questions to appropriate research methods
• develop a critical understanding of how different research methods are executed
• develop practical experience in applying different research methods
• develop an understanding of the ethical issues associated with research
• develop the capacity to undertake and evaluate social science research.

A short research design of 1000 words (20%) due early in the semester, in class practical tasks equivalent to 1000 words (30%) due mid-emester, and a research project assignment of 2000 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% 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.

A reading pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• Understand methodologies and approaches to addressing contemporary issues in the social sciences;
• Be able to apply theories and methods in an integrated fashion to examine and explain issues in the social sciences;
• Apply critical thinking and analysis skills;
• The ability to think in theoretical and applied terms about social issues;
• Demonstrate written communication skills;
• Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research in social sciences.

MULT30018 Applied Research Methods is the capstone subject for the following majors:

Criminology

Politics and International Studies

Sociology

This subject is only available to students majoring in the above-mentioned study areas and is not available as Breadth.

MULT30018 Applied Research Methods is a compulsory 3rd year subject in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Criminology), (Politics and International Studies), (Sociology).