| Unit name | Dissertation (with Quantitative Research Methods) (Sociology) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI30065 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Marshall |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
POLI20001 Conducting a Research Project using secondary data SOCI20069 Principles of Quantitative Social Science |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Your aim is to develop and present independent critical thought on a research question of sociological relevance, which has been chosen by you having consulted your supervisor. The dissertation is an extended piece of written work which gives you the opportunity to identify and investigate a particular question in depth and explore it systematically. You should explore a range of appropriate methodological options, research the literature on a specialist area within sociology, and discover an original angle on your selected topic.
The teaching for this unit combines lectures, workshops, a dedicated dissertation conference, and a highly structured supervisory and support system. We will provide you with the methodological foundation for your research project and guide you through this process during your final undergraduate academic year.
On successful completion of the unit, the student will have produced an extended piece of work which demonstrates a detailed understanding of their chosen topic, capacity to apply or interrogate sociological concepts, an ability to present research professionally and cogently, and provides evidence of their organisational and time-management capabilities.
Unit aims
This unit will enable participants to:
• Identify a suitable sociological topic that can be researched independently;
• Structure independent work over a sustained period;
• Conduct a piece of supervised independent study;
• Produce a dissertation based on independent sociological research; and
• Present research findings to an academic audience.
On completion of this Unit students should be able to plan and undertake a research project of relevance to their discipline and demonstrating proficiency in the use of quantitative research methods.
Introductory lecture, tutorials, dissertation advisory sessions
Formative: 10-15 minute presentation at Dissertation Conference Dissertation proposal (2000 words) (10% of final mark) Dissertation (approx 10000 words) (90% of final mark)
Thomas G, 2013, How to Do Your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. London: Sage.
White P, 2008, Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
