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Social Research Methods (NRMT90003)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Understanding of social process and action is critical to effective land and environment management and social research skills are therefore valued by resource management agencies.
This subject aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to design social research, which can be used to improve management of environments, agricultural and food systems.
The subject presents a framework for understanding diverse approaches to social research; the relationship between theory and method is given particular emphasis.
The research process is considered step by step including scoping research issues, the evolution of research questions, and selection of appropriate methods.
A number of research strategies are considered in more detail including survey research, case studies and action research. Social research ethics, quality in social research and advances in social research methods are examined.
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of this unit is to assist students to develop an:
- understanding of the process of social research
- ability to select appropriate methodological frameworks and to match research tools to these approaches
- understanding of ethical considerations in social research
- ability to prepare research proposals
Last updated: 29 June 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Eligibility for a graduate degree.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed the following subjects cannot enrol in this subject:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRMT40005 | Social Research Methods | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Recommended background knowledge
It is strongly recommended that students have at least 25 credits or equivalent in social science subjects (eg sociology, psychology, human geography, political science, law, policy studies, education).
Assessment in the subject requires students to develop a proposal for a social research project. Students must be able to identify a social science project relevant to their broader studies or professional practice. It is recommended that they have some understanding of social theories related to their project.
Students should seek approval from the subject coordinator if uncertain whether their previous coursework and project ideas are appropriate.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 29 June 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- Assignment: Developing research questions – 250 words; due approximately week 4 - 10% of final mark.
- Essay: Qualitative and quantitative approaches to a research project– 2000 words; due approximatley week 8 - 30% of final mark.
- Research Forum presentation – 5-minute presentation of research proposal (presentation of research question and preliminary thoughts on methodology); due approximatly week 11 - 15% of final mark.
- Research Proposal - 2500 words, near the end of the semester - 45% of final mark.
Last updated: 29 June 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Kathryn Williams Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours of lectures, workshops and tutorials Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 29 June 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject reader
Recommended texts and other resources
Seale, C. (2004). Social Research Methods: A Reader. London/NewYork: Routledge Student Readers. Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press (2nd edition).
Neuman, W.L. (2006). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (6th Edn). Boston, Pearson Education Inc.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 29 June 2023