Module manager: Diana Ivanova
Email: D.Ivanova@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
SOEE5010M Research Methods
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces students to what defines social science as a knowledge production system as well as the existence of different research paradigms and research designs (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods). Through this overview of the research process in the social sciences, the module supports students in their preparation for their own research project and their development as good consumers of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research.
This module gives students an understanding of the research process and explores relationships between theory, conceptualization, research design, method, hypotheses or research questions, evidence, and measurement.
The module describes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches and equips students to evaluate them for objectivity, generalisability, reliability, credibility, transferability, as appropriate to the chosen research design. Thus, the module enables students to assess the utility of research and be good consumers of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research.
The module equips students with the requisite research skills they will need to independently conduct their research projects, and actively engage in their professional careers, or further studies in higher education.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Critically review scientific literature to identify research gaps and formulate research questions.
SSLO2: Critically evaluate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods in the context of a specific research question to justify the purpose and limitations of a chosen research design and methods.
SSLO3: Create a research design, methodology, data set, and analysis plan coherent to a specific research question.
SSLO4: Critically evaluate research plans as appropriate to a specific research question (through relevant key terms such as objectivity, generalisability, reliability, credibility, transferability etc).
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Academic Writing (Academic Skill) – Demonstrate an ability to communicate arguments and perspectives effectively in written form, supported by relevant evidence and adhering to academic convention.
SKLO2: Referencing (Academic Skill) – Recognise when, why and how to acknowledge someone else’s work or ideas and use the appropriate referencing style in academic writing.
SKLO3: Information Technology (Work Ready Skill) – Demonstrate an ability to select, learn, adapt and use suitable information technology appropriately for research purposes, including basic IT skills, digital communication and research tools.
SKLO4: Problem Solving (Work Ready Skill) – Evidence an ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, taking an effective approach to problem solving.
SKLO5: Research (Work Ready Skill) – Demonstrate an ability to investigate a variety of relevant information sources and design plans to expand and provide new knowledge of a relevant topic or subject.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Practical | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 116 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Multiple opportunities over the semester:
1. Formative: Unit Quizzes to test immediate understanding. Available through Minerva (e.g. via Microsoft form), instant feedback.
2. Formative: Concept note via short Microsoft form in week 5: one-sentence on topic interested in studying for research project in 5020; proposed supervisor; proposed research design (quant/qual/mixed), proposed method from the 9 in week 9 and 10:
- Goes to PLs (SED, EE, S&B) to check topic appropriate for Prog LO – share short written feedback on whether appropriate or not via email.
3. Formative: Poster submitted to Minerva in week 9, demonstrating links between phases and justification of choices (enough time for feedback before Christmas from 5014 team). Pre-set template including sections building on weeks 1-8:
- Feedback in Minerva using rubric based on categories in template from 5014 staff
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team