Module Code - Title:
SO5041
-
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this course is to give all students a basic but thorough grounding in the methods of quantitative research. It begins by reviewing the role of quantitative methods in sociology, with consideration of the theoretical implications of the method and of the sorts of research it permits. It then moves on to a practical core, introducing basic techniques for data collection, processing, presentation and statistical analysis. The classes will run in parallel with lab sessions, in which students use SPSS and other relevant software.
Syllabus:
Introduction to quantitative method - using number to represent information, simple descriptive statistics and presentations. Using SPSS to enter data and report it.
Samples, surveys and probability - the theory of how a sample can be used to describe a population, some elementary probability theory, basic questionnaire design and survey implementation. Manipulating data in Stata, more presentation.
Statistical inference - the practice of using a sample to describe a population. Statistically informed use of Stata testing difference of means, analysing association in tables.
Linear regression and correlation - a taste of really powerful statistical methods, in theory and with Stata.
An introduction to multivariate analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Locate quantitative research as a social research methodology, from practical and epistemological points of view Read quantitative social research critically
Read summaries of data such as tables and charts
Design and implement simple questionnaire surveys
Use Stata and spreadsheets to enter, document and create simple numeric and graphic summaries of survey data
Use Stata to carry out simple statistical analyses of survey data
Apply statistical inference, carry out t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation and multiple regression analysis
Demonstrate awareness of strategies to enhance the positive contributions, personal and social, of empirical quantitative research
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an awareness of the role and value of quantitative methods and research in everyday life
Demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical issues around doing quantitative research on social issues
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a combination of lecturers, tutorials and self directed learning.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Fielding and Gilbert (2006)
Understanding Social Statistics
, Sage
Agresti and Finlay (2008)
Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences
, Pearson
de Vaus, D.A. (2002)
Surveys in Social Research
, Allen and Unwin
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
brendan.halpin@ul.ie