212-412 Social Research Methods

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Subject Description

Understanding of human social processes is critical to effective land management and social research skills are therefore valued by resource management agencies. This subject aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to collect and evaluate social data which can be used to improve resource management. The subject covers both quantitative and qualitative methods in social research including selection of appropriate research techniques; and issues of sampling, reliability and validity in social research. Methods of social research including construction of surveys and sampling procedures; interview techniques for individual and group settings; participant and non-participant observation; documentary and comparative research; and social research ethics are examined.

The field project covers the three phases of social research: design, field application and writing-up.

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

• D A de Vaus, Surveys in Social Research. 4th ed., Allen and Unwin, 1995.
• T May, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process. 2nd ed., Open University Press, 1997.
• C Robson, Real World Research. Blackwell, 1993.