207-414 Social Research Methods

Understanding of social process and action is critical to effective land management and social research skills are therefore valued by resource management agencies.

The subject aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to design social research which can be used to improve management of natural resources, agricultural and food systems.

The subject presents a framework for understanding diverse approaches to social research; the relationship between theory and method is given particular emphasis.

The research process is considered step by step including scoping research issues, the evolution of research questions, and selection of appropriate methods.

A number of research strategies are considered in more detail including survey research, case studies and action research. Social research ethics, quality in social research and advances in social research methods are examined.

A research proposal of 4000 words worth 40% of final marks, an essay of 3500 words worth 35% of final marks and a seminar presentation worth 25% of final marks.

• A Bryma, Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press, 2001.