The Social Research Methods Minor introduces students to a range of research methodologies and techniques used by international relations analysts, criminologists, political scientists and sociologists. Courses in this major are based on the pedagogy of "learning by doing". Students are introduced to the practical aspects of social research methods through specific research questions which inform current debates in IR, political science, sociology and criminology. Examples of such questions include:  How has the influence of public opinion polls on policymaking been changing over time? Has crime been increasing in Australia, as the general public tends to believe? Has the gender gap in pay and university participation reversed  to the advantage of women?

In dealing with concrete questions students will have an opportunity to engage with all or at least some of the following research stages: study design including ethical considerations, data collection, data interpretation and reporting.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the minor students will be able to:

1. Interpret and analyze survey data and data from statistical collections available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, OECD, the UN and similar agencies
2. Collect, interpret and analyze qualitative data generated through interviews or participant observation including online research
3. Write research reports and essays based on empirical sources such as opinion polls, surveys, official statistical databases, observations, interviews and visual data.
4. Design and carry out a methodologically sound research project

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (BARTS)
• Bachelor of European Studies (BEURO)
• Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies (BMECA)
• Bachelor of Pacific Studies (BPAST)