The University of Hong Kong Quantitative research methods
Offer semester
2nd semester
Lecture time
Tuesday 16:30 – 18:20
Lecture venue
LE2
Course description
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.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the concepts and process of quantitative research methods used in the social sciences.
2. Formulate research questions and relevant hypotheses.
3. Identify and utilise proper methods to collect and analyse quantitative data.
4. Write a research paper/report with analysis results and implications.
5. Evaluate prior studies and relevant policy/practice in a constructive manner.
Assessment
| Tasks | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Class participation and contribution | 30% |
| Questionnaire survey project | 30% |
| Final project | 40% |
Required reading
Bryman, Alan. 2016. Social Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Recommended reading
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.