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Course Outline

SCS225 Social Research

Course Coordinator:Peter Innes (pinnes@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC Fraser Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to evaluate, conduct and commission social research. In order to understand how social data are produced and analysed, the connections between theoretical orientations, methodology and methods of social research are explored. You will examine and also apply popular research methods and develop and evaluate a research proposal. Controversial debates concerning ethics, the relationship of science to social research, issues of validity, and research with minorities are also examined.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Pre-recorded concept videos and associated activity 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial - 2 hours 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Pre-recorded concept videos and associated activity 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Interactive 2 hour Zoom tutorial 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Fundamentals of Social Research: Methodology and Method

Sampling

Human Ethics and Social Research

Quantitative Designs: Surveys and Data Analysis

Qualitative Designs: Interviews and Data Analysis

The Methodology of Reflection and Practice

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Critical understanding of the nature and purposes of social research and its contribution to knowledge and theory in the social sciences. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Critical understanding of current methodological debates and issues in social research and the ethical dimensions of research practice. Knowledgeable
Ethical
3 Capacity to apply the key methods of social research. Knowledgeable
4 Advanced capacity to develop, design and evaluate coherent strategies in social research. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR707 or AR708

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Timely and detailed feedback is provided for each assessment. Feedback is provided both within text and general comments to build scholarly skills. Students are able to seek feedback through face-to-face discussion with the course coordinator. Tutorials will include extended discussion and review of the assessment task requirements and scope.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 25% 
1 hour
 Week 5 Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Case Study Individual 40% 
Take-home exercises, due 1 week later
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 3 Case Study Individual 35% 
Structured template/question response; 2hr exam.
 Week 13 Online Test (Quiz)
All - Assessment Task 1:Online test
Goal: 
To demonstrate emerging knowledge of the concepts, theories and issues regarding social research; Correct use and interpretation of sampling calculations with 95% confidence intervals; Correct use and interpretation of Australian Bureau of Statistics Census (or Other) data tables.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
The short-answer (e.g. enter analysis results from correct analyses of an ABS Census Table) and/or multiple choice test will be delivered online through Canvas in Week 5.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Each test will be graded according to the number of accurate answers to the multiple-choice questions you complete
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Workshop exercises (Take-home)
Goal: 
To critically apply and demonstrate your emerging knowledge of social research methods
Product: Case Study
Format: 
Submit online responses to take-home questions; provided in key weeks 6 to 12 (see assessment Task 2 for detail).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Effectively applying theories, approaches, and concepts presented in the learning materials, exercised in workshops, to provided case study materials (survey example, interview scripts, analysis of datasets).
 1 3 4
2 
The case study questions and materials from Parts A/B/C & D will be tested through online quizzes.
 1 3 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 3:Research Proposal Development and Evaluation
Goal: 
To critically apply your knowledge to demonstrate your capacity to evaluate choices in the context of a coherent research strategy (i.e. linking course content and thinking to an existing piece of research).
Product: Case Study
Format: 
Online exam. Multiple choice and short-answer format. Details will be posted on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
The research provided is evaluated on all areas indicated in the template (based on learning material content);
 1 2 3 4
2 
This includes identification of the key areas in the provided research, aligned to key structured template content (e.g. research question, theory, methodology, methods, ethics, sampling, analyses etc)
 1 2 3 4
3 
Considered implications of the research choices, including where omitted.
 1 2 4
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Maggie Walter 2019 Social Research Methods n/a Oxford University Press, USA

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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