This course provides an introduction to the main empirical social science methods, types of data, and techniques for collecting social science data. The course will provide students with the skills to apply social science methods to the generation and analysis of data to inform policy, business and service delivery decisions.
Content will cover: overview of main social and behavioural theories (rational choice; nudge and behavioural insights; complexity theory), introduction to research design (observational designs; intervention and experimental designs and action research), techniques for collecting data (quantitative surveys; qualitative interviews; behavioural and experience methods), measurement issues, participatory approaches to research, vulnerable populations, and ethics and privacy considerations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- discuss in broad terms the main social and behavioural theories and their evidence base;
- specify a research question that is answerable using empirical methods;
- propose a clear research design that can provide the information required to inform policy, business and service delivery decisions;
- understand the assumptions, strengths and limitations of the main techniques for collecting data; and
- comprehend the particular issues related to researching vulnerable populations.
Indicative Assessment
- Class participation (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Assignment 1 - Critique of selected empirical research paper (1,500 words) (15) [LO 1,4]
- Assignment 2 - Research proposal (3,500 words) (35) [LO 2,3,5]
- Oral presentation - Empirical strategy and ethics considerations (10 minutes) (20) [LO 5]
- Class test (2 hours) (25) [LO 4,5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: made up of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and online activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
To be provided on the course Wattle site.Preliminary Reading
Chapters 1 and 2 from Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford university press.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| intensive course | ||||||
| 3094 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9269 | 01 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | In Person | N/A |