module specification

This module will provide you with the practical skills required to conduct your own social research projects professionally and ethically. You will gain experience in the exciting and intriguing process of collecting your own data, analysing and interpreting research findings and writing up research results. Throughout this hands-on journey, you will practice a range of data gathering methods such as: conducting interviews, creating compelling surveys, leading insightful focus groups and engaging in cutting-edge online research methods. All of this will develop your data analysis and critical skills enhancing your future employability.

You will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data and develop skills in writing reports to present your findings.

Through the workshops, reading and discussions:

1. You will gain experience in a range of research practices that set the investigation and analysis of social scientists apart from other types of research
2. You will develop your ability to design a research project to answer particular research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies for social problems and topics that interest you
3. You will develop your professional demeanour according to the nature of the method selected and the varying stages of the research project (e.g., organisational skills, observational skills, conversational skills)
4. You will develop analytical skills to critically assess your chosen data set, allowing you to gain experience in evaluating information in light of existent knowledge to then synthesise your findings in a written report.

This module covers the practical skills required for research, following SC5064 Criminological Research in Context, and is more practically focused with each session focusing on the experiential learning of a particular research method, its intricacies, reach and limitations.

Students will engage in proactively devising a research question and addressing a contemporary social problem (LO1; 2 and 3). Students will practice professional conduct in a variety of peer-to-peer social interactions and research role play (e.g., interviews; focus groups; surveys; online research) (LO1; 2 and 3).

Students will be guided on different practices and the use of software for data transcription and analysis (LO3 and 4) and gain experience in use of data analysis techniques (LO3; 4 and 5). This will be further explored in writing up a report and supported by assessment workshop sessions (LO1; 2; 3; 4 and 5).

The module is based on weekly workshops which involve a more interactive approach than the traditional lecture format. Each 3-hour session will explore key topics via presentations (including use of a range of media), group debates and seminar activities. You are expected to attend and engage in all sessions, as this is a practical module where students learn from experience and reflective practice.

In addition, you are expected to undertake 6-7 hours independent reading/study per week to develop your knowledge and critical thinking skills; to support your engagement in the sessions and the completion of assignments.

The sessions, particularly the assignment workshop, offer the opportunity for reflective learning, whereby you are encouraged to consider the knowledge gained via workshops/reading and the development of critical thinking. A range of learning/teaching styles are adopted across the module, and you are encouraged to consider content and delivery styles for inclusion in the module. Further resources, including links to videos, podcasts, websites are provided via Weblearn and you are encouraged to engage in online discussion forums with your peers.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Formulate research questions and construct viable research designs by selecting appropriate methodologies to gain knowledge of criminological issues
2. Critically reflect on the limitations of your methodology and methods through practical sessions in class
3. Assess ethical concerns iteratively as sessions progress and in your final report’s ethics section
4. Analyse data in light of the wider context of knowledge within criminology as a multidisciplinary subject
5. Demonstrate your ability to write accessible reports in a critical manner

Key readings:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/31800792-84E2-59CD-C3AC-72B3D59A8DAD.html?lti1p3LaunchId=lti1p3_launch_67a0ebd761a8c7.85295783&existingResourceLinkId=false&lti1p3LinkType=resource_link-best_guess&resourceLinkSingleOption=true&login=1

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/41861BBD-C192-0E8C-84E4-BCC2175BFD4E.html?lti1p3LaunchId=lti1p3_launch_67a0eb3e7a2d33.03205148&existingResourceLinkId=false&lti1p3LinkType=resource_link-best_guess&resourceLinkSingleOption=true&login=1