This course examines key issues and assumptions in social research. It covers areas such as: formulating social research questions; operationalisation of concepts; validity; theory testing and theory construction; and strategies of analysis of social research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. identify a social scientific research question;
2. recognise what makes for valid social science research;
3. distinguish different forms of social science research data;
4. recognise different types of social science research methods; and,
5. critically read and understand the results of social science research.

Required Resources

The prescribed textbook for this course is: Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods, 5th edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal feedback to class

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Assessments should not exceed the assigned word (or time, where applicable) limit and should be formatted as per below:

• Use the in-text American Psychological Association (APA) citation format (see for example http://guides.is.uwa.edu.au/apa).
• Where applicable, number pages and use 1.5 spaced typing.
• Always proofread written work prior to submission.

Students must appropriately cite and reference all sources used in assessment. Failure to do so will result in formal consideration of poor academic performance and/or academic misconduct by the Course Convener. The Course Convener, when deemed necessary, will refer cases to the Academic Standards & Quality Office.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction	What is social research?; Understanding the research process
2	Developing social inquiry	Research questions; Theory and social frameworks
3	Design considerations	Designing a research project; Research ethics
4	Ways of knowing	Quantitative research methods; Qualitative research methods
5	Mixing methods; Real-world impact	Mixed vs multi methods; Research for policy
6	Research quality	Doing good research; Assessing research quality
7	Research in action I	Doing social research
8	Research in action II	Doing social research
9	Observing behaviour	Scoping and design; Data collection and meanings
10	Understanding & influencing behaviour	Scoping and design; Recruitment and application
11	Communicating research	Data analysis; Meanings and translations
12	Social research futures	Course conclusion; Future of social research

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Scoping essay/case study	20 %	24/08/2020	07/09/2020	1, 2, 3, 4
Critical analysis of research	30 %	21/09/2020	05/10/2020	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research essay	40 %	26/10/2020	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tutorial participation	10 %	*	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Scoping essay/case study

The scoping essay (of 1,000 words) provides the opportunity for students to study and present (in writing) a background, description, and issues for a research topic/issue. In doing so, the student will demonstrate how research concepts and theory would apply to the issue being investigated.

Students will choose a research topic/issue of interest with the permission of the course tutor.

The scoping essay is to be completed in an essay or report format style and include headings/sub-headings.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The synoptic essay will be assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and
• discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• Public policy relevance and implications
• Referencing

Assessment Task 2

Critical analysis of research

The critical of analysis of research is comprised of two parts— each 750 words.

Students will critique and compare and contrast two pieces of published research.

The critical analysis of research is to be completed in a short answer/essay format style and include headings/sub-headings.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The critical of analysis will be assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and
• discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• Public policy relevance and implications
• Referencing

Assessment Task 3

Research essay

The research essay is 2,000 words in length and provides students with the opportunity to examine and critique a research issue/topic with originality and depth. For this assessment, students will analyse and discuss a current issue using appropriate concepts and theories on a chosen topic (as agreed with their course tutor). In order to complete this assignment, students must incorporate existing research and source material on the subject, along with relevant policy issues on the subject.

The essay is to be structured as a discussion paper on a chosen topic.

Students must use and cite eight or more references.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The major essay will be assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and
• discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• Public policy relevance and implications
• Referencing

Assessment Task 4

Tutorial participation

Students are expected to actively engage in tutorial sessions by contributing to discussion.

Students should read the required weekly readings prior to lectures and come to tutorials prepared to make contributions to discussions.

Marks will be awarded for active participation in and substantive contribution to each tutorial session. Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked assessments and grades (including written feedback, where applicable) will be returned via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments are accepted. Students are encouraged to consult with the course lecturers about an assignment prior to the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students