166-554 Social Research Design and Evaluation

Admission to the Master of Social Policy, or to the Postgraduate Diploma or fourth-year Honours in Sociology, or Public Policy and Management.

This subject provides a critical and practical engagement with social research design and evaluation, in a range of societal contexts including, but not limited to, social policy. As such, it provides theoretical frameworks and research skills for analysing and engaging with contemporary social relations, problems and challenges. We begin by examining how social researchers identify research problems and design research, and then move onto a consideration of the range of approaches to the collection and analysis of data, and the writing up of research. We also analyse the relationship between evaluation and social research, in the context of debates around evidence based policy and the effectiveness (or otherwise) of social interventions. On completion of the subject, the written work and class participation will provide students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in key aspects of social research design and evaluation.

• demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;

• display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.

A written response paper of 1000 words worth 20% (due prior to mid-semester); a written social research opinion piece of 1000 words worth 20% (due after mid-semester); a written research proposal of 3000 words worth 60% (due at end of semester). Hurdle requirement to attend 75% of seminars in order to have work accepted for evaluation.

A subject reader will be made available