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Social Research Design and Evaluation (SOCI90005)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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July - On Campus
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This subject examines various social research design and evaluation approaches to the study of social interaction. Students will critically examine the utility of, and theoretical underpinnings behind advanced methods of collecting, analysing and writing up social research. They will also conduct a small-scale research project, giving them practical skills in designing, conducting and writing up policy research. The subject will prepare students for engaging in real-world policy research and give them a practical understanding of the relationship between policy evaluation and social research in the context of debates around evidence-based policy. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Formulate a research question appropriately scoped to address a significant social policy concern
  • Design a research project grounded in a relevant social policy theory, in line with a selected policy concern and scoped appropriately
  • Implement appropriate research methods in line with a research design and question pertaining to a relevant social policy question
  • Develop a research report demonstrating a practical ability to engage in an end to end research process and theoretical understanding of a relevant policy area.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Apply research skills and critical thinking to a field of inquiry
  • Develop reasoned arguments grounded in evidence
  • Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

Last updated: 19 November 2025