Quantitative research methods
SOCI2030-1A
CBA
15:30 - 17:20
Friday
1st semester
Lecture venue
Lecture time
Offer semester
This course provides an overview of quantitative research methods in the social sciences. It covers both fundamental theories and practical techniques, ranging from research design and hypothesis formulation to data collection (e.g., survey; experiments), quantitative data analysis (e.g., descriptive statistics; comparison of means; regressions), and research writing.
This course will be interactive and collaborative. In each class, students will be encouraged to ask/answer questions and to facilitate discussions with peers and the instructor. The course also offers hands-on training to conduct an original research project including questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis.
Describe the concepts and process of quantitative research methods used in the social sciences via oral and written channels.
Formulate research questions and relevant hypotheses.
Identify and utilise proper methods to collect and analyse quantitative data.
Write a research paper/report with analysis results and implications.
Evaluate prior studies and relevant policy/practice in a constructive manner through discussions, presentations, and report writing.
Demonstrate research ethics appropriately.
Tasks
Weighting
Class participation and contribution
20%
Questionnaire survey project
30%
Final project
50%
Bryman, Alan. 2016. Social Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Babbie, Earl R. 2021. The Practice of Social Research. 15th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage.
Balnaves, Mark and Peter Caputi. 2001. Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods : An Investigative Approach. London: SAGE.
Chambliss, Daniel F. and Russell K. Schutt. 2018. Making Sense of the Social World : Methods of Investigation. 6th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
Neuman, W. Lawrence. 2014. Social Research Methods : Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 7th ed. Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited.
Straits, Bruce C. and Royce Singleton. 2018. Social Research : Approaches and Fundamentals. International sixth. New York: Oxford University Press.
