This course provides an introduction to the main empirical social science methods, types of data, and techniques for collecting social science data. The course will provide students with the skills to apply social science methods to the generation and analysis of data to inform policy, business and service delivery decisions.

Content will cover: overview of main social and behavioural theories (rational choice; nudge and behavioural insights; complexity theory), introduction to research design (observational designs; intervention and experimental designs and action research), techniques for collecting data (quantitative surveys; qualitative interviews; behavioural and experience methods), measurement issues, participatory approaches to research, vulnerable populations, and ethics and privacy considerations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. discuss in broad terms the main social and behavioural theories and their evidence base;
2. specify a research question that is answerable using empirical methods;
3. propose a clear research design that can provide the information required to inform policy, business and service delivery decisions;
4. understand the assumptions, strengths and limitations of the main techniques for collecting data; and
5. comprehend the particular issues related to researching vulnerable populations.

Research-Led Teaching

SOCR8201 provides a foundational introduction to empirical social science methodologies and data collection, specifically focusing on surveys and qualitative interviews. This course is designed for students with no prior statistics or analysis knowledge moving from theoretical concepts to clear research questions and observable indicators. The curriculum emphasizes the writing, crafting, and ordering of effective questions to maximise reliability and validity while reducing measurement error. All research design and implementation is viewed through a rigorous ethical lens centred on the four pillars of research merit, respect, beneficence, and justice.

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

·        specify research questions

·        propose an appropriate research design

·        evaluate data collection methods

·        construct a survey and an interview guide

·        choose suitable recruitment and sampling strategies

·        apply key ethical principles relevant to data collection

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• write a brief scoping document that sets out the aims, research questions, research design and method(s);
• develop a survey with clear questions and survey routing;
• develop an interview guide
• critically review survey instruments
• critically assess research designs and methods, survey and interview questions;
• understand the rationale for the use of different research methods and types of data

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

As set out in the course outline document on Canvas

Recommended Resources

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course overview and core concepts
2	Research designs; sampling, recruitment, and incentives
3	Human Research Ethics for surveys and interviews
4	Writing survey questions	Assessment 1: Concept Brief
5	Questionnaire design and survey implementation
6	Qualitative interviews: one-to-one & group; in-person and online
7	Student-led sessions (3 topics)	Assessment 2: Lead a Research Concept Session (weeks 7-12)Assessment 3: Weekly reaction papers (500 words each week: week 7-12)
8	Student-led sessions (3 topics)
9	Student-led sessions (3 topics)
10	Student-led sessions (3 topics)
11	Student-led sessions (3 topics)
12	Student-led sessions (3 topics)	Assessment 4: Methods and Research Instruments

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research Concept Brief	10 %	02/04/2026	24/04/2026	1,2
Student-led session	20 %	29/05/2026	05/06/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Weekly reaction papers (N=6)	30 %	28/05/2026	05/06/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Methods and Research Instruments	40 %	05/06/2026	03/07/2025	4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend classes each week and submit all assessments as a core requirement of this course.

Examination(s)

N/A

Assessment Task 1

Research Concept Brief

Word limit (where applicable): 1000 words

Value: 10% of final grade

Due date: 2 April, 2026, 11.59pm, via Canvas

The purpose of this brief is to obtain approval to progress to a full research proposal. It forces you to be clear about your research aims, questions, and design/methods. This "pitch" is an essential element for conceptualizing new research initiatives and is used by universities and government agencies to assess a project’s merits.

The brief should set out your thinking clearly to "sell" the idea to others in 1000 words. It should include:

1.  Project title: Less than 20 words
2. Background and Statement of ‘The Problem’: Define the social issue being investigated
3. Rationale: Why is the research important?
4. Aims and Research Questions: Specify questions that are answerable with empirical methods
5. Proposed Methodology: A high-level description, including whether you intend to use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods.

Assessment Task 2

Student-led session

Value: 20% of final grade

Due date: Fridays, Weeks 7-12. 1st May through 29th May.

Objective: In the second half of the course, you will lead a deep-dive session into a specific methodological topic or a case study related to your project or an area of interest to you. You will lead peers through complex, real-world challenges relevant to survey and interview research.

Format: Sessions are led individually (1 hour) or in small groups (2–3 hours). Creative delivery – such as debates, mini-workshops, or problem-solving circles – is highly encouraged.

Content: Nominate 2–3 "core" readings prior to your session, provide additional depth through independent literature searches, and facilitate engaging class tasks or discussions.

Topic Selection: Choose from the provided list (see Canvas) or propose a unique topic relevant to the course, subject to Convener approval.

Assessment Task 3

Weekly reaction papers (N=6)

Word limit: 500 words per reaction paper

Value: 30% of final grade

Due dates: 2026-04-30 through 2026-05-28 (day prior to each class: i.e. Thursdays by 5pm)

Objective: To facilitate high-quality classroom dialogue, you will submit a brief reflection on the core readings before each session in the second half of the semester. These "low-stakes" assignments (5% each) are designed to help you explore methodological ideas and prepare for active participation.

Requirements:

·      Length & Style: Approximately 500 words (+/- 50 words). Use a conversational tone – similar to a professional blog post – while maintaining a coherent structure and standard author-date referencing.

·      Focus: Do not summarize the text. Instead, provide your critical reactions. Consider:

o  Key "take-home" messages or shifts in your thinking.

o  Points of agreement or disagreement with the author's rationale.

o  Specific ethical issues raised by the methodology.

·      Criteria: Marks (out of 5) are awarded based on the depth of analysis, critical perspective, and ability to contrast different viewpoints within the word limit.

Note on Presenting Weeks: You must still submit a reaction report during the week you are scheduled to lead a session. In this instance, your report should focus on the core readings proposed by another student in your session.

Assessment Task 4

Methods and Research Instruments

Value: 40% of final grade

Due date: 1 June 2026 at 11.59pm

Word Limit: Methods (~1500 words) + Appendices (no specific word limit)

Objective: The final assessment demonstrates your technical proficiency in crafting research instruments that capture reliable data while adhering to ethical standards. Building on the background details from Assessment 1, this submission serves as a technical roadmap for your survey and interview design.

Part A: Technical Methods Section (~ 1500 words)

Structure your report using the following APA-aligned subsections:

1. Participants

·      Characteristics: Define your target population (e.g., age, occupation, or specific social grouping).

·      Sampling Procedures: Detail your chosen sampling strategy (e.g., probability vs. non-probability) and justify why it is appropriate for your research goals.

·      Recruitment Processes: Describe the mechanics of how you will contact participants and any incentives provided.

2. Materials

·      Primary and Secondary Measures: Identify the key constructs you are measuring and the specific indicators used.

·      Quality of Measurements: Discuss how your questions ensure data reliability and validity (e.g., using established scales or pre-testing).

·      Research Question Mapping: Provide a brief summary – ideally using an Operationalisation Table – mapping your measures to your specific research questions.

3. Procedure

·      Data Collection Methods: Describe the mode of delivery (e.g., self-administered online survey or semi-structured interviews).

·      Research Design & Rationale: Explain your broader framework (fixed, flexible, or mixed methods) and why this specific design is the most effective way to answer your RQs.

·      Ethical Considerations: Explain how your instruments and procedures address the principles of merit, respect, justice, and beneficence.

Part B: Research Instruments (Appendices)

Your technical methods will be supported by your formatted survey and interview-guide instruments:

·      Appendix A (Survey): 25–30 questions, including clear routing instructions and at least three distinct pathways.

·      Appendix B (Interview Guide): 8–12 semi-structured questions ordered to facilitate rapport and depth of response from your participants.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to submit your assignments using the Canvas assessment, marking and feedback tools. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Canvas.

Hardcopy Submission

Not applicable

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned via Canvas.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There is no resubmission of assignments in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students