Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50997:Introduction to Social Research (P) 2024 Fall Wed1 College　Of　Policy　Science TAKASHINO NINA 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS368

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course familiarizes students with the theory and methods of social research.

It introduces them to the principles and fundamentals of different field and non-experimental research approaches. Students will be taught how to conduct their research as well as analyze and evaluate relevant research papers in the field of social science. Course activities include literature research, writing of different parts of a research paper, and oral presentation.

At the end of each lecture, the instructor will give a mini-test to confirm understanding. Also, the instructor will provide assignments as preparation for the next lecture. Students will be asked to give short presentations and join discussions.

Keywords: social research, research design, literature review, quantitative research

Student Attainment Objectives

At the end of the term, students are expected to:

1. Know the fundamentals of social research;
2. Develop the skills necessary to design their research;
3. Evaluate research conducted by others.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

The nature and process of social research

Introduction, elements of the process of social research

2

Research designs

Experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case study, comparative

3

Getting started

Reviewing the literature, searching the existing literature

4

The nature of quantitative research

Steps in quantitative research, concepts and measurement

5

Sampling in quantitative research

Survey research, sampling, sample size, online surveys

6

Structured interviewing

Conducting interviews, problems with structured interviewing

7

Using existing data

Secondary analysis, data archive, official statistics

8

Quantitative data analysis

Variables, univariate analysis, Bivariate analysis, multivariate analysis

9

Using IBM SPSS statistics

SPSS, data viewer, histogram, chi-square, Pearson's r

10

Writing up social research

Start early, be persuasive, get feedback, structure your writing

11-13

Presentation Exercise

Presentation on the research project, peer-reviewing, getting feedbacks

14

Summary test

Reviews basic concepts covered in the course

15

Project report writing

Write the research project report and submit.

Class Format

15 classes on Face to Face basis.

Recommendations for Private Study

The instructor provides assignments at the end of each class.
Students think and prepare answers for the next class.
Review class material and contact the instructor if needed.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Mini test: 30%
Summary test: 30%
Class Participation & Discussion: 40%
(assignments, presentations, discussions, mini-paper)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Social Research Methods Alan Bryman Oxford University Press

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Students will be assigned reading homework by using this book.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students

Other Comments

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