Course Description

Delve into the realm of social sciences with the "Introduction to Social Research Methods" course offered by EdinburghX. This course provides an understanding of how society operates and the methods used to uncover the complexities of cultural phenomena. Focused on non-practical elements, it aims to mold students into critical users of research, encouraging them to question methodologies and embrace the intriguing aspects of research methods.

What Students Will Learn

  • Various research methods adopted by professionals.
  • Contextual application of different research techniques.
  • Advantages, disadvantages, and ethical considerations of research methods.
  • Skills to critically analyze both quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Approaches to critically evaluating published research.

Prerequisites or Skills Necessary

No prerequisites are required for this course, making it accessible for anyone interested in understanding research methodologies within social sciences.

Course Outline

  • General Understanding: Grasp what research methods entail and their impact on societal understanding.
  • Critical Analysis: Develop the ability to question and analyze research findings.
  • Ethical Implications: Comprehend the ethical dimensions that accompany various research scenarios.
  • Methodological Variance: Explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of social research methods, particularly those planning to pursue or already enrolled in a Masters in Digital Education. It provides a foundational step for academic research and critical analysis.

Real-World Application

The competencies gained from this course are applicable in numerous fields such as academia, market research, social policy development, and consultancy. Being a critical user of research empowers learners to contribute thoughtfully to their respective fields.

Syllabus Overview

Part 1: Exploring Methods
  • Surveys
  • Discourse analysis
  • Learning analytics
  • Interviews
  • Focus groups
  • Ethnography
  • Social Network Analysis (SNA)
  • Experimental intervention
  • Visual and image analysis
Part 2: Analysing Data
  • Critical perspectives on quantitative data analysis
  • Critical perspectives on qualitative data analysis