212-412 Social Research Methods

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Credit Points

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Semester

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Subject Description

This subject develops understanding and skills in social research in rural and industry settings with a focus on social research methods relevant to human use of natural resources and the environment. Topics include quantitative and qualitative methods in social and market research. Theory of social measurement; measurement of beliefs and attitudes. Surveys as a form of data collection; the appropriateness of different research techniques for given social or market research problems. Sampling procedures; sampling and measurement error. Interviewing techniques for individual and group settings; communication skills relevant to interviewing; group dynamics. Data coding, processing and analysis. Social and psychological bases of responses to land degradation problems. Influencing human behaviour related to the environment. Market research and consumer behaviour. New issues in social research methodology.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination, an assignment, a field project, class exercises and seminar. Written and practical tests may be given throughout the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• de Vaus D A, Surveys in Social Research. 4th ed. Allen and Unwin, 1995.
• Robson, C, Real World Research. Blackwell, 1993.
• Gardner, G T and Stern, P C, Environmental Problems and Human Behavior. Allyn and Bacon, 1996.