Applied Research Methods

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Total of 170 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:

• be able to relate different research questions to appropriate research methods;

• have a critical understanding of how different research methods are executed (including mixed-methods research);

• acquire practical experience in applying and evaluating quantitative research methods;

• have the ability to work in groups and negotiate any problems that may arise in doing so;

• gain skills that will be useful upon entering the workforce.

A short research design of 800 words (20%) due early in the semester, in class practical tasks equivalent to 600 words (15%) due throughout the semester, group work / peer assessment equivalent to 600 words (15%) due throughout the semester, and an applied research assignment of 2000 words (50%) due in 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.

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).