LV EN RU DE FR

Social Research Methods

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Soci5032, The Principles of Scientific Research

Soci5043, Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide theoretical knowledge and increase students' competence in the planning and implementation of social research.
The study course provides knowledge and skills in the planning and implementation of social research required for further professional activities in public administration, research organisations and in any private organisation where the specifics of work is related to exploring of social problems, humans` behaviour and opinions. Students both theoretically and practically learn the most important methods of qualitative and quantitative research approach, gain an insight into the collection, analysis and interpretation of study data. Practical activities of the study course are geared to the implementation of specific research methods.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: understands the essence of social research, knows the most important research methods, knows the basic principles of research methodology development – practical work, independent works, exam.
Professional skills: ability to independently develop research tools for obtaining quantitative and qualitative data and evaluate their validity, to correctly apply the chosen research methods, ability to collect, analyze and interpret various data obtained by social research methods – independent works.
Soft skills: ability to plan and execute assigned tasks responsibly, to cooperate, engage in discussion and reasonably defend his/ her point of view – practical works, independent works.
Competence: ability to independently develop a qualitative and quantitative research program in accordance with the chosen social problem, to independently solve non-standard situations in the field of organization and public administration with social research methodology techniques – exam, independent works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Definition of social research, separation, perspectives of use. Quantitative approach in social research, types of quantitative research. Elements of the research program. (2 hours)
2. Logical analysis of concepts. (1 hour)
3. Indication and measurement of variables. (1 hour)
4. Data acquisition method in quantitative research - survey. (2 hours)
5. Data acquisition method in quantitative research - content analysis. (2 hours)
6. Data acquisition method in quantitative research - observation. (2 hours)
7. General population identification and sampling in research. (1 hour)
8. Reliability of data in quantitative studies. (1 hour)
9. Qualitative approach in social research (1 hour)
10. Types of qualitative research. (2 hours)
11. Principles of sampling in qualitative research. (1 hour)
12. Observation and document analysis as a way of obtaining qualitative research information. (2 hours)
13. Interview as a method of obtaining qualitative research information. (2 hours)
14. Focus group interviews / discussions. (2 hours)
15. Processing and analysis of qualitative research information. (2 hours)

List of practical classes (24 hours)
1. Literature to be used in the study course “Social Research Methods”, compilation of scientific publications according to the chosen research problem (2 hours).
2. Preparation of the research program. Conceptualization and operationalization. Defining the goal, tasks, object, subject, hypothesis (4 hours).
3. Quantitative content analysis of documents (3 hours).
4. Compilation of a questionnaire (3 hours).
5. Qualitative content analysis of documents - individual and group work (2 hours).
6. Coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews - individual work in a seminar (2 hours).
7. Focus group interview (3 hours).
8. Use of IT programs in data analysis - work with nVivo program (2 hours).
9. Analysis of semi-structured interviews - presentation (3 hours).

Requirements for awarding credit points

2 independent works must be elaborated and presented. Written exam in the end of the course. All practical works must be done.

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The studies of scientific literature. Elaboration and presentation of 2 independent works. Written exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Exam. Its criteria for assessment of learning outcomes consist of: written exam – 40%, independent works – 60%.

Compulsory reading

1. Robson C., McCartan K. Real World Research: a Resource for Users of Social Research Methods in Applied Settings. 4th edition. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley, 2016. 533 p.
2. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
3. Neuman W.L. Social research methods. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches: Seventh edition. Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited, 2014. 599 p. Available: http://letrunghieutvu.yolasite.com/resources/w-lawrence-neuman-social-research-methods_-qualitative-and-quantitative-approaches-pearson-education-limited-2013.pdf.
4. Creswell J. W. Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches. 3d edition. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2013. 448 p.
5. Singh K. Quantitative social research methods. Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2007. 431 p.
6. Adams J., Raeside, R. Khan, H. T. A. Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. Second edition. eBook. New Delhi: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2014. 304 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=
e000xww&AN=784882&site=ehost-live&scope=site
7. Bourke J., Kirby A., Doran J. (2016) Survey & questionnaire design: Collecting Primary Data to Answer Research Questions: eBook. Ireland: NuBooks, 2016. 47 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1460401&site=ehost-live&scope=site
8. Bell J., Waters S. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers: eBook. London: Open University Press, 2018. 344 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTM3OTQ2X19BTg2?sid=9ee78256-b8da-48a1-a009-39ee8a75c712@sessionmgr4008&vid=3&format=EB&rid=1
9. Bickman L, Debra J.R. The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc. 2009, 662 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTg2Nzk5X19BTg2?sid=fc23d9f1-e6cf-4f53-892c-b37b558584ca@sessionmgr4007&vid=20&format=EB&lpid=lp_652&rid=6
10. Wagner C., Kawulich B., Garner M. Doing Social Research: A Global Context: eBook. Berkshire: McGrow Hill, 2012. 295 p. Retrieved from Google Scholar eBook via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. EBOOK: Doing Social Research: A Global Context - Claire Wagner, Barbara Kawulich, Mark Garner - Google Books

Further reading

1. Baxter P., Jack S. Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers. In: The Qualitative Report, No. 13(4), 2008, p. 544-559. Retrieved from: Pieejams: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol13/iss4/2
2. Content analysis: Four volume set. R. Franzosi (ed.). London ... (etc.): SAGE Publications, 2008. 696 p.
3. Krippendorff K.Content Analysis. An Introduction to Its Methodology. Fourth edition. SAGE Publications, 2018. 472 p.
4. Surveys from Start to Finish. M. Cole, L. Long (eds). Alexandria, Va: Association For Talent Development. 2016. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1280702&site=ehost-live&scope=site
5. Questionnaires: Four volume set. Bulmer, M. (ed.). London … (etc.): SAGE Publications, 2004.
6. Flick U. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Six edition. London... (etc.): Sage Publications, 2018. 696 p.
7. Ievads pētniecībā: stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Mārtinsone K. (red.). Rīga: Raka, 2011. 284 lpp.

8. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M.Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs: 2. papild. izdevums. Rīga: Raka, 2010. 190 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. European Societies. European Sociological Association. Pieejams: http://www.europeansociology.org/index.php
2. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20

Notes

Mandatory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".