This course is designed to give students an overview of the use of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods for social research. Quantitative methods focus on objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or from existing administrative sources. Qualitative methods, on the other hand, rely on more in depth analysis, and focus on direct observation and/or the analysis of words, images or other text. While many research questions can be answered by using either quantitative or qualitative research methods, most research questions seeking to understand complex social phenomena are best approached by using a mixed methods design.
This course summarises the key aspects of quantitative and qualitative mixed methods, and uses a number of example research projects to discuss how they can be combined to answer key social research questions. Upon completion, students will be able to design, evaluate and analyse data using mixed methods approaches to social research. No prior knowledge in either quantitative or qualitative research methods is assumed.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research methods;
- evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods;
- critique existing empirical research based on the choice of methodology;
- differentiate between research questions which rely on cross-sectional survey data, longitudinal survey data, and qualitative data; and
- design a mixed-methods research project on an important social research question.
Indicative Assessment
- Research critique - oral: 5 minute PowerPoint presentation (5) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research critique - written: 1500 words (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Data critique: 1500 words (25) [LO 1,2]
- Mixed methods design: 3000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Class participation: semester long (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop or workshop-like activities.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
nil
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. Tuition fees are indexed annually. 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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3570 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5460 |
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.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6468 | 01 Jul 2020 | 24 Jul 2020 | 24 Jul 2020 | 30 Sep 2020 | In Person | N/A |
