Virtual Data Collection in the Time of COVID-19: Practical and Ethical Considerations
Doing data collection in the time of COVID-19 has required the adaptation of existing approaches. While face-to-face data collection is not feasible during the COVID-19 crisis, phone- and internet-based interviews offer an alternative means of collecting primary data. In this workshop, we discus key practical and ethical issues concerning virtual approaches to data collection. We provide practical examples drawing on two related research projects that took place in a lower-middle income context during the Covid-19 school closures.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
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Thu 25 Jan 2024 | 14:00-16:00 | Taught Online |
Fri 26 Jan 2024 | 14:00-16:00 | Taught Online |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
The aim of this course is to introduce students to comparative historical research methods and encourage them to engage with practical exercises, to distinguish between different approaches in comparative historical research methods in social sciences.
Through the reading and seminars students will learn how to distinguish between different texts, theorists and approaches and learn how to apply these approaches to their own research and writing.
Comparative historical sociology studies major social transformations over periods of time and across different states, societies, and regions.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
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Tue 24 Oct | 10:00-11:00 | In Person |
Tue 31 Oct | 10:00-11:00 | In Person |
Tue 7 Nov | 10:00-11:00 | In Person |
Tue 14 Nov | 10:00-11:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
This module is for anyone considering studying on an SSRMP module but not sure which one/s to choose. It provides an overview of the research process and issues in research design. Through reflection on a broad overview of empirical research, the module aims to encourage students to consider where they may wish to develop their research skills and knowledge. The module will signpost the different modules, both quantitative and qualitative, offered by SSRMP and encourage students to consider what modules might be appropriate for their research and career development.
Topics covered
- The research process and the different stages it might consist of
- Issues related to research design
- To consider what data you will need to address your research aims
- To consider the best methods to collect and analyse your data
- What modules are offered by SSRMP and how they might be appropriate to your needs
Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge is required.
- You may wish to prepare for this module by considering your research project, the aims and objectives, and your research and training needs to complete the project
Format
Lecture
Session dates
This modules in run in Michaelmas Term and then repeated in Lent Term. You only need to book on ONE of these iterations, EITHER in Michaelmas OR in Lent. Please note that in the Michaelmas iteration the session is in-person but during Lent takes place online.
Michaelmas Term | ||
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Date | Time | Format |
Mon 9 Oct | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Lent Term | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Time | Format |
Thu 18 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | Online SSRMP Zoom |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Mixed and multi method approaches are increasingly common in the social sciences. Whilst much has been written about the justification, design and benefit of mixed methods, there is correspondingly little published empirical research which rigorously employs such approaches. In this interactive session, we will consider what mixed and multi methods approaches are, when you might use them, and - most importantly - start to think about how you can integrate quantitative and qualitative data (a) across a series of studies and (b) within a single study.
Objectives
- To define key aspects of mixed and multi methods approaches, and describe their applicability within your research
- To identify research questions appropriate for mixed methods approaches
- To be able to describe key considerations in combining qualitative and quantitative data
Session dates
The Mixed Methods module is run in Michaelmas Term and then repeated in Lent Term. You only need to book on ONE iteration and can choose between studying EITHER in Michaelmas OR Lent
Michaelmas Term | ||
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Date | Time | Format |
Mon 20 Nov | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Mon 27 Nov | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Lent Term | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Time | Format |
Thu 29 Feb | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Thu 7 Mar | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
The analysis of policy depends on many disciplines and techniques and so is difficult for many researchers to access. This module provides a mixed perspective on policy analysis, taking both an academic and a practitioner perspective. This is because the same tools and techniques can be used in academic research on policy options and change as those used in practice in a policy environment. This course is provided as three 2 hour sessions delivered as a mix of lectures and seminars. No direct analysis work will be done in the sessions themselves, but some sample data and questions will be provided for students who wish to take the material into practice.
Topics covered
Session 1
How do we analyse policy development and change over time? The policy cycle and models of policy change In studying how policies are developed and chosen there are two different timescales to consider- the immediate process of policy development (the policy cycle) and the evolution of a policy over long periods of time (models of policy change). This session will outline both timescales and discuss how these models can be applied to study policy change, highlighting the contested nature of most models of policy.
Session 2
What tools do we use to analyse policy options (I)? – CBA and MCDA in policy analysis. Policy analysis is a distinct practice that is forward looking, taking an issue and trying to both develop options and to provide a decision framework for making a policy choice. This first of two sessions provides a brief overview of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), gives examples of their use in policy decision making, and discusses the role of political considerations in the use of these tools.
Session 3
What tools do we use to analyse policy options (II)? – assessing the (likely) effects of policies. A key challenge in policy analysis and practice is how to assess and predict the effect of particular policy decisions. Examples of widely used tools for this are regression analysis (as much of the information that policymakers need is provided through the outputs of regression analysis of varying complexity) and randomised controlled trials. This session will focus on some of tools, discussing their main features and using examples of their use in policy analysis and policy making.
Assessment
The SSRMP does not assess students at the end of this module, although individual degree programmes may set their own assessment using the content in it.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
---|---|---|
Mon 29 Jan 2024 | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Mon 5 Feb 2024 | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Mon 12 Feb 2024 | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
This module is for students who don’t plan to use quantitative methods in their own research, but who need to be able to read and understand published research using quantitative methods. You will learn how to interpret graphs, frequency tables and multivariate regression results, and to ask intelligent questions about sampling, methods and statistical inference. The module is aimed at complete beginners, with no prior knowledge of statistics or quantitative methods.
This module is aimed at complete beginners, with no prior knowledge of statistics or quantitative methods
Topics covered
- Background to quantitative research: what is it, how is it different from other kinds of empirical research, and where do data come from?
- Statistical inference and hypothesis testing
- Correlation and tests of bivariate association
- Multivariate analysis
Objectives
To enable students to understand the fundamentals of academic papers without recourse to formal statistical theory.
Aims
Students will learn how to interpret graphs, frequency tables and multivariate regression results, and to ask intelligent questions about sampling, methods and statistical inference.
Format
Presentations, demonstrations and practicals.
Session dates
This module is run in Michaelmas Term and then repeated in Lent Term. You only need to book on ONE iteration, EITHER in Michaelmas OR Lent. In the Michlaemas iteration all live sessions take place in-person but in Lent they take place online.
Michaelmas Term | ||
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Date | Time | Format |
Tue 17 Oct | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Tue 24 Oct | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Tue 31 Oct | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Tue 7 Nov | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Lent Term | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Time | Format |
Thu 1 Feb 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | Zoom, online |
Thu 8 Feb 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | Zoom, online |
Thu 15 Feb 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | Zoom, online |
Thu 22 Feb 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | Zoom, online |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Social Network Analysis (SNA) is “a distinct research perspective in the behavioural and social sciences” because it elevates relationships as the primary unit of analysis when attempting to understand and explain social phenomena (Wasserman and Faust, 1994, p. 4). This methods module will introduce you to network research tools used to explore the social constructs that surround all of us, continuously facilitating and frustrating our individual ambitions. Each of our three sessions will focus on a primary component of modern SNA: relational data collection, network visualisation, and descriptive network statistics and modelling. We will use real relational datasets from historical network studies. Participants will also be encouraged to develop their own relational data and complete a basic descriptive analysis and network visualisation of their data. This module will make use of web-based tools and open-source options in the R environment. However, no previous training in SNA methods or R will be assumed by the instructor.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
---|---|---|
Wed 1 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | Taught Online |
Wed 8 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | Taught Online |
Wed 15 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | Taught Online |
Wed 22 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | Taught Online |
Wed 29 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | Taught Online |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
The module aims to provide students with an introduction to and overview of survey methods and its uses and limitations. It will introduce students both to some of the main theoretical issues involved in survey research (such as survey sampling, non-response and question wording) and to practicalities of the design and analysis of surveys. The module consists of six 1.5 hour sessions, alternating between pre-recorded lectures and practical exercises.
Topics covered
At the start of the module, the theoretical aspects of designing surveys will feature more, and topics covered include: the background to and history of survey research (with examples mostly drawn from political polling); an overview of the issues involved in analysing data from surveys conducted by others and some practical advice on how to evaluate such data; issues of sampling, non-response and different ways of doing surveys; issues related to questionnaire design (question wording, answer options, etc.) and ethical considerations. As the module progresses the practical aspects of designing surveys will feature more, particularly issues directly related to questionnaires (and less on issues of sampling), such as the wording of questions, the order of questions, and the use of different answer options. Most of the exercises will be provided by the instructors, but there will also be opportunities for students to bring in examples of surveys they would like to develop for their own research (and participants in the sessions may be asked to answer each other's surveys as a pilot test).
Learning outcomes
Students who attend this course will be able to:
- design their own and evaluate research that uses surveys, in particular to understand issues concerning sample selection, response bias and data analysis
- appreciate and use basic principles of questionnaire design
- trace appropriate sources of data and appropriate exemplars of good survey practice
- design a survey in Qualtrics
Format
The module runs over three sessions:
Session 1: Why we quant and how we quant
Session 2: Questionnaire design, sampling and weights
Session 3: Developing surveys using Qualtrics
The first part of each session will involve an online lecture. The second part will be based on group work and individual practical activities, which includes building a survey in Qualtrics.
Session dates
The module is taught in Michaelmas Term and then is repeated in Lent Term. You only need to book on ONE iteration EITHER in Michaelmas OR Lent.
Michaelmas Term | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Time | Format |
Tue 14 Nov | 15:30-17:00 | In Person |
Tue 21 Nov | 15:30-17:00 | In Person |
Tue 28 Nov | 15:30-17:00 | In Person |
Lent Term | ||
---|---|---|
Date | Time | Format |
Mon 19 Feb | 16:00-17:30 | In Person |
Mon 26 Feb | 16:00-17:30 | In Person |
Mon 4 Mar | 16:00-17:30 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
The module provides a practical guide to designing and developing a research project based on quantitative dates. It focuses on key aspects of research design, how to work with theory, identify key concepts and operationalise them with quantitative data. It will explore the use of applied statistical methods for data analysis, their applications in academic research, and how to interpret statistical outputs. Although the illustrative examples are mainly drawn from education and policy research, the statistical and design knowledge and skills acquired via this module are also applicable to other social sciences research topics and areas.
Outline
The module consists of four lectures (two-hour per session) including:
-
Lecture 1: Introduction to quantitative research design
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Lecture 2: Key statistical concepts and methods
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Lecture 3: Applied social statistics in education research
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Lecture 4: Education and social policy evaluation
Contents
Lecture 1 will focus on how to design quantitative studies, including formulating research questions, engaging with theoretical and empirical evidence, developing hypothesises, as well as preparing relevant data. Lecture 2 will cover some of the widely used statistical toolkits for data description and hypothesis testing, such as graphs, z-score, conference intervals, parametric and non-parametric tests, correlation and regression analyses. Lecture 3 applies the principles of research design and key statistical methods to examples drawn from education research. It will highlight regression analyses and the interpretation of statistical outputs. Lecture 4 will introduce a few causal inference methods, such as matching, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, and regression discontinuity design, which are commonly used in social policy evaluations.
Objectives
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
-
Understand how to design quantitative studies
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Understand key statistical theories and methods widely used in academic research
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Analyse and interpret quantitative research papers and reports
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Understand causal inference methods widely used in policy evaluations
Software
The module uses Stata software for practical examples. Basic knowledge of Stata is recommended to maximise the learning experience.
Format
Teaching will take place in person, with each session lasting for 2 hours. No specific lab sessions are planned; however, Stata codes will be provided whenever relevant to facilitate learning and practice.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
---|---|---|
Mon 30 Oct | 10:00-12:00 | In Person |
Mon 30 Oct | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
Thu 2 Nov | 10:00-12:00 | In Person |
Thu 2 Nov | 14:00-16:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
This module offers an introduction to the use of case studies in social sciences research. It includes an exploration of paradigmatic, methodological, practical, and ethical considerations.
Objectives
- To introduce the concept of a case study
- To explore how case studies can be used within social sciences research, supported by the use of examples from academic research
- To introduce paradigmatic considerations related to the use of case studies in social sciences research
- To explore and reflect on methodological, practical, and ethical considerations related to the use of case studies in social sciences research
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to describe the key features of a case study
- Students will be able to describe how case studies can be used in social sciences research
- Students will be able to discuss paradigmatic, methodological, practical and ethical considerations related to the use of case studies in social sciences research
Assessment
This module is not assessed.
Session dates
Date | Time | Teaching Format |
Wed 7 Feb 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Content analysis has been widely used to study different sources of data, such as interviews, conversations, speeches, and other texts. This module adopts an interactive approach, where students are introduced to the key elements of content analysis, how to conduct content analysis, and a range of examples of the use of content analysis. This module offers two practical workshops, where students have a hands-on opportunity to practice performing content analysis, followed by guided reflection.
Objectives
- To introduce content analysis as a research method
- To introduce students to how content analysis can be used in research
- To explore how content analysis is performed
- To highlight methodological considerations concerning content analysis
- To provide academic examples of content analysis used in research
- To provide experiential, collaborative, learning experiences for students in performing content analysis
Format
Lectures and practical workshops.
Sessions
In order to ensure workshops contain only small numbers of participants, three groups of workshops will be run. You only need to book on ONE group either Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3.
Group 1
Date | Time | Teaching Format |
Thu 18 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Thu 25 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Mon 29 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Thu 1 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 | In Person |
Mon 12 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 | In Person |
Group 2
Date | Time | Teaching Format |
Thu 18 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Thu 25 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Mon 29 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Mon 5 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 |
NB: online Zoom |
Thu 15 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 | In Person |
Group 3
Date | Time | Teaching Format |
Thu 18 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Thu 25 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Mon 29 Jan 2024 | 16:00-18:00 | In Person |
Thu 8 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Online |
Mon 19 Feb 2024 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Online |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop their understanding of how content analysis can be used in research
- Students will be able to describe theoretical and practical considerations regarding the use of content analysis
- Students will be able to describe how to perform content analysis
- Students will reflect on their performance of conducting content analysis in the workshops
- Students will consider whether and how content analysis may be used in their own research
Assessment
This module is not assessed.
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
This series of workshops are aimed at students interested in interdisciplinary and feminist research practice. The course revolves around a simple query: what makes research feminist? It is the starting point to engage with classic and more contemporary writings on feminist knowledge production to answer some of the following questions: what are the ‘proper’ objects of feminist research? Who can do feminist research? Why do we do feminist research, and what is its relevance? Who do we cite in our research? We will have in-class discussions and hands-on assignments that will allow students to practice some of the main debates we will read about.
Topics covered
- Session 1: Research as a Feminist Practice
- Session 2: Research ‘Objects’
- Session 3: Researcher’s Positionality
- Session 4: Writing and Vulnerability
Objectives
- Students become familiar with the principles of interdisciplinary feminist research.
- Students evaluate the benefits of various feminist research methods applicable to their research projects.
- Students apply knowledge of feminist research methods through weekly course assignments.
- Students engage with each other’s work and learn to provide constructive feedback to their peers.
Session dates
Date | Time | Format |
---|---|---|
Wed 7 Feb 2024 | 14:00-15:15 | In Person |
Wed 14 Feb 2024 | 14:00-15:15 | In Person |
Wed 21 Feb 2024 | 14:00-15:15 | In Person |
Wed 28 Feb 2024 | 14:00-15:15 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
This module is designed to help students who will need to use archives in their research, and consists of four sessions. The first session will deal with the large variety of material which can be found in archives, how it is organised, and how to use their various different catalogues and use of finding devices. The second session will look at how to plan an archive visit when it is necessary to consult stored documents. Increasingly more archives are making their material available online, and this session will examine how to find out what is available to view and can be download. The first session on overseas archives is given as part of the History Faculty general training.
Topics covered
- What is in an archive
- Planning your trip to an archive
- Online Resources
- Overseas Archives
Session dates
Date | Time | Teaching format |
---|---|---|
Thu 8 February 2024 | 14:00-15:30 | In Person |
Tue 13 February 2024 | 16:00-17:00 | In Person |
Tue 20 February 2024 | 16:00-17:00 | In Person |
Tue 27 February 2024 | 16:00-17:00 | In Person |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Web scraping has great potential as a research tool that can be applied across various fields of research including social science and humanities, and allows us to reach beyond the ‘quantitative and qualitative divide’. The programming and code-reading/analysing skills used in web scraping can enhance our understanding of digital power beyond the traditional limits of computing techniques.
This two-hour training module (plus 1-hour online Q&A session) introduces researchers how to use Python software for web scraping. You will learn what web scraping means, the principles behind it, and ethical considerations, and importantly how to use Python to achieve web scraping. The module provides a good opportunity to learn how to enhance your coding and code-reading skills, from which you can reflect on how digital power especially web scraping and coding is shaping contemporary research. The training is programming beginner friendly.
Topics covered
- What web scraping is and how it can be used in social science and other fields
- The principles and basic knowledge to perform web scraping
- Ethical considerations of conducting web scraping
- Facilitation of effective coding performance and mindsets
- Using Python for web scraping in effective and ethical ways
- Critical reflections on how web scrapping can enhance digital power in research
Session dates
Date | Time | Teaching format |
---|---|---|
Thu 29 Feb 2024 | 11:00-13:00 | SSRMP Zoom |
Thu 29 Feb 2024 | 17:00-18:00 | Online Q&A (optional session) |
How to Book
Bookings can be made via the Modules List where you will also find the module dates. Click on the module you want and you will be taken to a booking screen. As soon as you book, you will receive an automated email confirming your place. Please note, some modules (though not all) have multiple iterations in the Michaelmas and Lent Term.