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SHDH3106 Introduction to Social Research1

The document outlines the subject description for 'Introduction to Social Research' (SHDH3106) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, detailing its objectives, intended learning outcomes, and assessment methods. It covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethical considerations, and the writing of research proposals. The course includes lectures, tutorials, and computer lab sessions, with a total expected study effort of 133 hours.

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4 views

SHDH3106 Introduction to Social Research1

The document outlines the subject description for 'Introduction to Social Research' (SHDH3106) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, detailing its objectives, intended learning outcomes, and assessment methods. It covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethical considerations, and the writing of research proposals. The course includes lectures, tutorials, and computer lab sessions, with a total expected study effort of 133 hours.

Uploaded by

caichunfai12138
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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July 2019

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University


Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code SHDH3106

Subject Title Introduction to Social Research

Level 3

Credit Value 3

Medium of English, supplemented with Chinese


Instruction

Pre-requisite / Exclusion
Co-requisite/ SHDH3110 Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology
Exclusion

Objectives This subject aims to introduce the basic principles and methods of social
research so that students are able to appreciate the art of research inquiry
and research design. Through discussions and reflection on researching
process, students are invited to become reflexive learners in
understanding the dynamic social world.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
(a) discuss the strengths and limits of both qualitative and quantitative
research methods;

(b) recognise the link between research questions, literature reviews and
research designs;

(c) perform elementary statistical analyses with statistical software


packages (e.g. SPSS);

(d) interpret and evaluate the research reports commonly found in


everyday life;

(e) reflect on the researcher’s self in researching process.

Subject Synopsis/ The Nature, Ethics and Politics of Social Research


Indicative Syllabus The links between theory and research; The nature of scientific inquiry;
The difference between quantitative methods and qualitative methods;
Triangulation; Ethical issues; Value of social research; Researchers’ self;
Social research and social critiques.

Quantitative Methods
Measurement, conceptualisation and operationalisation; Questionnaire
designs and data collection methods; Sampling; Basic statistical
analyses; Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (e.g. SPSS).

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July 2019

Qualitative Methods
Sampling; Participant observation; In-depth interviews; Oral history;
Interpretation of qualitative data.

Unobtrusive Research
Secondary analysis; Content analysis; Personal and public documents.

Writing Research Proposals


Structure of research proposals; Literature reviews; Justification of
research significance; Choice of research design; Limits of research
design.

Teaching/Learning This subject will consist of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory
Methodology sessions. Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of
concepts and methods of social research.
Tutorials will be conducted in the form of group discussions. Students
will be divided into small groups to conduct presentations of their
research projects. They are expected to have a better understanding of
the concepts and methods taught in lectures and to apply them to
designing their own research.
Computer laboratory sessions will be designed to enhance the learning of
statistical software for social sciences, e.g. SPSS.

Assessment A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess


Methods in students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Alignment with
Intended Learning Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
Outcomes methods/tasks weighting outcomes to be assessed

a b c d e

Continuous 100
Assessment*

 Test 30    

 Group Research 20   
Proposal

 Group Research 20   
Presentation

 Reading Report 15   
(Individual)

 SPSS Exercise 10 
(Individual)

 Participation 5     

Total 100
*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject
team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.

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July 2019
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
the Continuous Assessment.

Student Study Class contact Hours


Effort Expected
 Lecture 26

 Tutorial 13

Other student study effort

 Self-study 52

 Continuous Assessment 42

Total student study effort 133

Reading List and Recommended Textbook


References
Babbie, Earl (2013). The Practice of Social Research. 13th edition.
Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Cengage.

References

Berg, Bruce L. (2009). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social


Sciences. 7th edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Bryman, Alan & Duncan Cramer (2009). Quantitative Data Analysis


with SPSS 14, 15 and 16: a Guide for Social Scientists. London; New
York: Routledge.
Gomm, Roger (2004). Social Research Methodology: A Critical
Introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Neuman, W. Lawrence (2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative


and Quantitative Approaches. 7th edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Seale, Clive 3rd edition (2012). Researching Society and Culture.


London: SAGE.

Silverman, David & Amir Marvasti (2008). Doing Qualitative Research:


A Comprehensive Guide. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

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