The World Wide Web is only around 20 years old, but it has transformed the way we work, collaborate, engage in commerce, participate in the politics and interact socially. This course will provide students with thorough training in online research methods for social science Internet research. While "obtrusive" social research methods (e.g. online surveys and focus groups) will be covered, there will be greater emphasis on unobstrusive research methods, e.g. quantitative (statistical) analysis of Internet trace data from emails, websites, blogsites and social networking sites such as Facebook.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Compare online research methods to methods traditionally used by social scientists.
2. Locate available tools and data for online research.
3. Be able to conduct basic social network analysis using data from the Web.
4. Understand the ethical implications of various online research methods.
5. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of various online research methods
Other Information
Students undertaking the "Social Science of the Internet" stream of the Master of Social Research must take this course and DEMO8086 Social Science of the Internet.
This course can be selected as one of two DEMO methods courses that students undertaking the "Social Research Methods" stream of the Master of Social Research are required to take.
In 2013, this course is taught in in-class mode, but distance and part-time students may optionally take the course in online mode.
Indicative Assessment
1. Class participation and online forum (15%, 750 words approx.) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5]
2. Two computer lab exercises (15% each, 750 words approx.) [Learning Outcome 3]
3. Critical review of journal article - paper and class presentation (20%, 750 words) [Learning Outcomes 1, 4, 5]
4. Final paper (35%, 3000 words) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two ninety minute sessions on campus per week. These will be recorded and online students will be expected to listen to the podcasts and work through computer lab material. Total workload is approximately 10 hours per week including classes, participation in online forum and private study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Course notes and additional readings will be available via the learning management system (Wattle).
Assumed Knowledge
Students are expected to be familiar with using a computer and using a web browser in particular. It is expected that students will have had some exposure to quantitative or qualitative social science research methods.
Areas of Interest
- Political Communication
- Political Sciences
- Population Studies
- Social Research
- Sociology
- Marketing
- Science Communication
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1230 | |
| 2014 | $2478 | |
| 2013 | $2472 | |
| 2012 | $2472 | |
| 2011 | $2424 | |
| 2010 | $2358 | |
| 2009 | $2286 | |
| 2008 | $2286 | |
| 2007 | $2286 | |
| 2006 | $2190 | |
| 2005 | $2190 | |
| 2004 | $1926 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3534 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3534 |
| 2005 | $3534 |
| 2004 | $3534 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8052 | 21 Jul 2014 | 08 Aug 2014 | 31 Aug 2014 | 30 Oct 2014 | In Person | N/A |