166-213 Using Computers in Social Research

Usually 25 points of first-year sociology or political science or admission to the BPPM.

This course introduces students to the use of computers at all stages of the research process, and does not presume previous experience using computers. It covers the use of various computer packages for locating, acquiring and managing references, literature and various forms of data, including the internet; data analysis (both textual and numerical); working with large, complex, linked and multi-authored projects; tools for data and report presentation. Programs include a selection from the following: Advanced uses of Endnote, Word and Excel, SPSS, N-Vivo or N6, and Powerpoint. Students learn these skills through applying them to each stage of an individual class research project. Students are encouraged to use projects they are engaged in for other courses for this purpose.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

Materials prepared by the centre.