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Methods of Social Research

Course developers

Replaced course

Soci5046 [GSOC5046] Methods of Social Research

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the planning and implementation of social research, which are necessary for the development of a master's thesis and further professional career in the fields of management sciences. Students both theoretically and practically learn the most important methods of qualitative and quantitative research approach, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of study data. Practical study activities are focused on the application of the latest and most appropriate research methods in the field of management sciences.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: knows and understands the essence of social research, knows the most important research methods, understands the differences between qualitative and quantitative research approaches - practical and individual work.
Professional skills: able to independently develop research instruments for obtaining quantitative and qualitative data and evaluate their validity, able to collect, analyze and interpret various data obtained with social research methods and able to apply social research methodology in the study of various practice cases - practical and individual work.
Soft skills: able to responsibly plan and fulfill assigned tasks, participate in planning and setting goals, as well as develop social interaction, cooperation and organizational skills appropriate to the profession - practical and individual work.
Competence: able to independently develop a program of qualitative and quantitative research according to the relevant problem in the field of management, incl. use innovative approaches and solutions, are able to independently use various social research methods for information acquisition and analysis, as well as independently solve non-standard situations in the field of management science with social research methodology techniques - individual work and an exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Definition, distinction, perspectives of the use of social research. Elements of the research program (2h)
2. Quantitative approach in social research. Logical analysis of concepts (1h)
3. Determination and measurement of variables (1h)
4. Main data collection methods in quantitative research – survey, content analysis, observation (3h)
5. Determining the population and creating a sample in research (1h)
6. Reliability of data in quantitative studies (1h)
7. Quantitative data analysis (1h)
8. Qualitative approach in social research (2h)
9. Principles of sampling in qualitative research (1h)
10. Observation and document analysis as a way of obtaining information for qualitative research (1h)
11. Interview as a qualitative research information acquisition method (2h)
12. Focus group interviews/discussions. (1h)
13. Processing and analysis of qualitative research information (2h)
14. Action research as an organization research approach. Comparative studies (1h)
List of practical works
1. Preparation of the research program. Conceptualization and operationalization. Defining the aim, tasks, object, subject, research questions or hypothesis (2h)
2. Ethical aspects of social research and ensuring reliability of results (2h)
3. Quantitative content analysis of documents (2h)
4. Design of the questionnaire (4h)
5. Development of research questions (2h)
6. Qualitative content analysis of documents (4h)
7. Organizing and leading a focus group (4h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Students must prepare three individual works, a written exam at the end of the course. All practical works must be completed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Research tools for obtaining quantitative data have been developed. Submission in due time before the exam.
2. Qualitative analysis of documents. Submission in due time before the exam.
3. Conducting a focus group discussion. Submission in due time before the exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Exam. The evaluation of the study results consists of: final written exam - 40%, three independent works - 60%.

Compulsory reading

1. Bell J., Waters S. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers: eBook. London: Open University Press, 2018. 344 p. Tiešsaistē pieejams LBTU Fundamentālās bibliotēkas tīklā, izmantojot EBSCO eBook Academic Collection.
2. Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. (red.) Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga: RSU, 2021, 607 lpp.
3. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. Fourth Edition. – London: John Wiley&Sons Ltd, 2016, p. 533.
4. Neuman, W.L. Social research methods. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches. - Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2011. p. 631.

Further reading

1. Baxter P., Jack S., Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers. The Qualitative Report. Canada, West Hamilton, Ontario. 2008
2. Krippendorff K. Content Analysis. An Introduction to Its Methodology. Fourth edition. SAGE Publications, 2018. 472 p.
3. Surveys from Start to Finish. M. Cole, L. Long (eds). Alexandria, Va: Association for Talent Development. 2016. Tiešsaistē pieejams LBTU Fundamentālās bibliotēkas tīklā, izmantojot EBSCO eBook Academic Collection.
4. Singh, K. Quantitative social research methods. - Los Angeles ... [etc.]: Sage Publications, 2007. p.431.

Periodicals and other sources

1. The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Pieejams: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/index.php
2. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20
3. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia. Pieejams: http://www.lu.lv/apgads/izdevumi/elektroniskie-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia/

Notes

Mandatory study course in the ESAF professional master's study program “Project management” and “Business Management”