Philosophy of Social Science Research

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Information technology
• Written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Independent working
• Problem solving
• Oral communication

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe the relationship between philosophical standpoints and methodological strategies
• Discuss the contribution of philosophical issues and knowledge bases to research practice
• Identify a variety of social and political contexts and uses of research
• Identify different value positions and their implications for research
• Critically evaluate philosophical debates in social science

This module explores key theoretical and methodological issues in social science research, contrasting ‘ways of knowing’. It is premised on the idea that social science is better served by

researchers who can master several methodologies, who can consciously choose among concepts and theories and who command many basic principles of reasoning. Indicative content includes a discussion of philosophical and theoretical positions, understanding causality, comparative and case study research and discuss the relevance of social science research to real-world problems.

• Multi-disciplinary lectures
• Multi-disciplinary seminars
• Independent study

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.