School of Applied Social Science

MSc/MRes in Applied Social Research MSc/Mres in Applied Social Research (Criminology) MRes in Health Research (School of Nursing and Midwifery) MRes in Education Research (School of Education) MRes in Management Research (Stirling Management School) MRes in Media Research (School of Film, Media and Journalism)

Autumn Semester 2013 ASRP02 Research Design and Process

(SCQF Level 11, 15 credits) Module Coordinator: Professor Samantha Punch Room 4S19, Tel: 01786 467985, E-mail: s.v.punch@stir.ac.uk Office hours: Tuesdays 13.00 pm 15.00 pm Administrator: Brigitte Innes, Research office Room 3S31, Tel: 01786 467691 E-mail: brigitte.innes@stir.ac.uk or SASSRPGOffice@stir.ac.uk My office days are: Tuesdays to Thursdays Teaching Team: Bill Munro, Paul Lambert, Ian McIntosh, Samantha Punch, Richard Simmons, Monika Wilinska, Sarah Wilson

Overview The module takes students through the process of designing a research project. It enables them to think up an interesting research idea, to carry out a literature review, identify appropriate theoretical frameworks, refine the research question and then work out which methods to use. It introduces students to some of the more common research strategies and methods. It invites reflection on the ethics and politics of the research process, and encourages students to think systematically about dissemination of findings, knowledge exchange and research impact. The assessment for the module reinforces what has been learned: it involves thinking up a research topic, refining it into some researchable questions and then writing a proposal for funding. Aims To enable students to: understand the process by which research questions become refined and worked up into realistic research proposals; develop the skills needed to design a research project; understand the choices that have to be made between different research strategies and methods;
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 gain the skills needed in applying some of the most common research methods; reflect on the ethics of the research process and on how to disseminate the findings and engage in effective knowledge exchange; gain experience in designing a project and subjecting it, and projects designed by fellow students, to constructive criticism. Learning outcomes The module will develop students ability to think conceptually and analytically. It will enable them to improve their oral and written skills. Students will develop a range of research skills and their ability to work independently and as a team member will be encouraged. Programme Guide Students are strongly advised to consult the School of Applied Social Science Diploma/MSc/MRes in Applied Social Research Programme Guide 2013-2014. For students following programmes other than the Msc/MRes in Applied Social Research or Criminology, copies of the Programme Guide are available on Succeed. The regulations in the Applied Social Science Programme Guide apply to all students taking this module. Students from schools other than Applied Social Science should take care to familiarise themselves with these regulations, as they may differ slightly from the regulations in place in other schools. If you are unsure about anything at any stage of the module, please consult either the Module Coordinator or Richard Simmons (Programme Director in the School of Applied Social Science) in the first instance. Succeed As well as the materials referred to in this outline, further materials, including workshop tasks and lecture slides, will be posted on the Succeed website. Please check Succeed regularly for new information.

Assessment Assessment for this module will be based on 100% coursework. Coursework due by Tuesday 12 November 2013 by 15.00 pm You have been given the opportunity to apply for funding for a research project. Write an application (of no more than 4000 words) along these lines: Identify one issue that, in your opinion, could be the subject of a research project that could attract funding. Give a brief description of the issue, situate it in the relevant literature, and explain why it is important.
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Suggest some preliminary research questions that arise out of existing research, have not yet been answered satisfactorily, and could form the basis of a new research project. Discuss the methods that might be used and justify the strategy that is likely to be most appropriate to your project. Set out your research strategy and a realistic timetable, identifying stages in the project and outlining which methods you will use at which stage. Identify ethical issues, potential problems of access, and any other difficulties you think may affect the project. Set out a dissemination strategy, and say what impact you think the project will have.

Your particular attention is drawn to the Universitys policy on academic misconduct, including plagiarism do not risk breaching the guidelines, as the penalties are severe. The Policy is also available at: http://www.quality.stir.ac.uk/ac-policy/assessment.php For further advice and information on avoiding plagiarism, please refer to the booklet The Little Book of Plagiarism http://www.quality.stir.ac.uk/documents/BookofPlagiarism.pdf Coursework submission Two copies of coursework should be submitted to Brigitte Innes, Room 3S31, by the due date. Module details ASRP02 and student registration number (not name) should be displayed on all pages. One copy of your coursework will be returned to you with written feedback after internal marking, while one copy will be retained for the scrutiny of the External Examiner. Students are advised to make a copy of their written work before handing it in. In addition, you are also required to upload an electronic copy of your assignment via Turnitin. For further information about how to do this, please see the Programme Guide 2013/14. A guide to uploading may be found on your Succeed home page and through the link http://www.is.stir.ac.uk/docs/learn/students/turnitin-student.pdf

Recommended texts The following key textbooks are particularly useful: Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) (or 3rd edition 2008) Creswell, J (2009) Research Design, Los Angeles: Sage (third edition) Gilbert N (2008) Researching Social Life, London: Sage (third edition) Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman. (available as e-book from library)

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There are many general research methods texts. The following are good examples: Becker S, Bryman A and Ferguson, H (2012) Understanding Research for Social Policy and Practice, Themes, Methods and Approaches 2nd edition, Bristol: The Policy Press Blaikie, N. (2000), Designing Social Research, Cambridge, Polity Press. Crotty M. (1998), The Foundations of Social Research, Australia: Allen and Unwin Hammersley M (ed), (1993) Social Research: Philosophy, Politics and Practice, London, Sage Davies, P., Francis, P. and Jupp, V. (eds.) (2011) Doing Criminological Research 2nd edition. London: Sage R. King and E. Wincup (eds.) (2008) Doing Research on Crime and Justice (2nd edition), Oxford: Oxford University Press Mason J, (2002) Qualitative Researching, 2nd edition London: Sage Richards, Lyn (2005) Handling Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide. London: Sage. And 2nd edition (2010) - this book is mainly about analysis but also has some useful discussion of research design Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (2003), Qualitative Research Practice, London, Sage Robson C, (2002) Real World Research, Oxford: Blackwell Buckingham, A, & Saunders, P (2004). The Survey Methods Workbook, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Structure of the programme The course is taught over five half days: Tuesday 17 September, 24 September, 1 October, 15 October and 5 November, from 9.00 am to 13.00 pm, based in room C2B76 , apart from one workshop session, which will be held in computing lab C2Y8 on Tuesday 2 October, and the final session which will be in room C2B129. The structure of the module will consist of lectures and workshop discussions. Students will be expected to read in advance of classes and be prepared to take an active part in workshop discussions. Workshops will enable students to prepare for their assignment, which will take the form of a research proposal. The module programme is detailed on the following page.

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Module Programme Session 17 September Room 2B76 Workshop time 9.00 am - 10.00 am Topic Formulating a research question, and thinking about research strategies and designs Identifying and developing research questions BREAK Literature review and theory building Using literature and theory to develop research questions Research ethics Ethical dilemmas BREAK Qualitative research design Designing qualitative research The nature of quantitative research, random sampling, the survey method Based in computer lab BREAK Structured interviewing and questionnaire design Dissemination, knowledge exchange and impact Dissemination knowledge exchange and impact BREAK Qualitative interviewing and focus groups Qualitative interviewing Ethnographic research Student research designs In this session, all students will present their draft research designs, in preparation for the assessment. You will have the opportunity to discuss your design with the class. Course review Samantha Punch Staff Samantha Punch

10.00 am - 10.45 am

11.15 am - 12.00 noon Workshop 12.00 noon - 13.00 pm

Samantha Punch

24 September Room 2B76 Workshop

9.00 am - 10.00 am 10.00 am - 10.45 am 11.15 am - 12.00 noon 12.00 noon - 13.00 pm 9.00 am 10.00 am

Bill Munro

Monika Wilinska

Workshop 1 October Room 2B76 Workshop Room 2Y8 Room 2B76

Paul Lambert

10.00 am - 10.45 am

11.15 am - 12.15 pm

Richard Simmons

15 October Room 2B76 Workshop

9.00 am - 10.00 am 10.00 am - 10.45 am

Samantha Punch

11.15 am - 12.00 noon 12.00 noon - 13.00 pm 5 November Room 2B129 Workshop 9.00 am - 10.00 am 10.00 am - 12.30 pm

Sarah Wilson

Samantha Punch

12.30 pm - 13.00 pm

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Reading lists Formulating a research question, and thinking about research strategies and designs Blaikie, N. (2000), Designing Social Research, Cambridge, Polity Press. Ch1-3 Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) chs 1-4 Creswell, J (2009) Research Design, Los Angeles: Sage (third edition), ch.1 Gilbert, (2008) Researching Social Life, London: Sage (third edition), ch3 David M and Sutton CD, 2004, Social Research. The Basics, Part II Research Design and Data Collection pp 75-175 Mason J, (2002) Qualitative Researching, 2nd edition London: Sage ch1 and 2 Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman. chA4 and B1 Richards, Lyn (2005) Handling Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide. London: Sage. And 2nd edition (2010) ch 1 See also the ESRCs website, www.esrc.ac.uk for guidelines, programmes etc

Literature review and theory building Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition), ch 5 Creswell, J (2009) Research Design, Los Angeles: Sage (third edition), ch.2 Gilbert, (2008) Researching Social Life, London: Sage (third edition) chs 2-4 Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review London Sage Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman., chB2 The ethics and politics of research You are encouraged to read at least one of the following sets of ethical guidelines: Social Research Association's Code of Practice for the Safety of Social Researchers http://www.the-sra.org.uk Statement of Ethical Practice by the British Sociological Association http://www.britsoc.co.uk/media/27107/StatementofEthicalPractice.pdf Code of Research Ethics by the British Society of Criminology http://www.britsoccrim.org/codeofethics.htm Ethical decision-making and Internet Research. Recommendations from the aoir ethics working committee http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf The Ethical Guidelines for the School of Applied Social Science, University of Stirling can be found at: http://www.dass.stir.ac.uk/research/ethics/

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Ethics of research: Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition), ch 6 Creswell, J (2009) Research Design, Los Angeles: Sage (third edition) ch.4 Bulmer M, (ed) 1982, Social Research Ethics, London: Macmillan Bulmer M, (ed) 1982, 'The research ethics of pseudo-patient studies: a new look at the ethics of covert ethnographic methods', Sociological Review 30, 4: 627-46 Burgess R, 1984, 'Ethical Problems, Ethical Principles and Field Research Practice' in Burgess, R In the Field: An Introduction to Field Research, London: Routledge Finch J, 1984, "It's great to have someone to talk to": the ethics and politics of interviewing women', in Bell C and Roberts H (eds) Social Researching: Politics, Problems, Practice, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul Homan R, 1991, The Ethics of Social Research, London: Longman Lee R, 1993, Doing Research on Sensitive Topics, London: Sage, especially Chapter 6: "Asking Sensitive Questions: Interviewing" Lee-Treweek G and Linkogle S, 2000, Danger in the Field: Risk and ethics in social research, London: Routledge Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman, chA5 Punch M, 1986, The Politics and Ethics of Fieldwork, Beverley Hills: Sage Renzetti CM and Lee RM, 1993, Researching Sensitive Topics, Newbury Park CA: Sage Sieber J, 1993, "The Ethics and Politics of Sensitive Research", in Renzetti, CM and Lee, RM Researching Sensitive Topics, Newbury Park CA: Sage Stanley B and Sieber J, 1992, Social Research on Children and Adolescents: Ethical Issues, London: Sage Politics of research: Becker H, 1970, Whose side are we on? in Douglas J (ed), The Relevance of Sociology, New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts Finch J, 1984, Its great to have someone to talk to: the ethics and politics of interviewing women in Bell C and Roberts H (eds), Social Researching: politics, problems, practice, London: Routledge Gouldner A, 1970, The sociologist as partisan: sociology and the welfare state in Douglas J ed. The Relevance of Sociology, New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts Hall PL, Parker HR and Webb A, 1975, Change, Choice and Conflict in Social Policy, London: Heinemann. Chapter 6 Hammersley M, 1995, The Politics of Social Research, London: Sage, Chs 2, 3 & 6 Humphries B, 1997 From critical thought to emancipatory action: contradictory research goals? in Sociological Research Online Vol.2, No.1: www.socresonline.org.uk/socresonline/2/1/3.html. Noaks L and Wincup E, 2004, Negotiating and Sustaining Access Chapter 4 in Noaks L and Wincup E, Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods, London: Sage Oliver M, 1999, Final accounts and the parasite people in Corker M and French S (eds), Disability Discourse, Buckingham: Open University Press Smith G, 1978, Action research: experimental social administration? in Bulmer M (ed) Social Policy Research, Basingstoke Macmillan Wray-Bliss E, 2003, Research subjects/Research subjections: exploring the ethics and politics of critical research in Organization Vol.10, No.2, p. 307-325

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The nature of qualitative research, and theoretical sampling Arber, S. (1993) `Designing samples' in Gilbert, N. (ed) Researching Social Life, Sage Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch17 and 18 Flick, U. (2008) Designing Qualitative Research London: Sage - available as e-book from library Mason J, (2002) Qualitative Researching, 2nd edition London: Sage, ch 3 Richards, Lyn (2005) Handling Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide. London: Sage. And 2nd edition (2010) ch 2 Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (2003), Qualitative Research Practice, London, Sage, ch4 Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1990) Basics of Qualitative Research, Sage, Ch.11 The nature of quantitative research, random sampling and the survey method Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch.7 Blalock, H.M. (1972, 2nd ed) Social Statistics, McGraw Hill, Ch. 21 Hoinville, G. et al (1977) Survey Research Practice, Heinemann, Ch.7 Moser, C. and Kalton, G. (1971 2nd ed or later) Survey Methods in Social Investigation, Heinemann, Chs. 3-8 The Survey Method: Creswell, J (2009) Research Design, Los Angeles: Sage (third edition) ch.8 Burton D (ed), 2000, Research Training for Social Scientists, London: Sage [Part 6] De Vaus D, 2002, Surveys in Social Research, 5th Edition, London: Routledge [Parts 1 and 2] Gilbert GN (ed), 2008, Researching Social Life, 3rd Edition, London: Sage [Chapters 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16] Marsh C, 1982, The Survey Method: The contribution of surveys to sociological explanation, London: Harper Collins Punch KF, 2003, Survey Research: The Basics, London: Sage Sapsford R, 1999, Survey Research, London: Sage Structured interviewing and questionnaire design Structured interviewing: Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition), ch.9 (see also third edition, ch8) Arksey H and Knight P, 1999, Achieving a successful interview in Interviewing for Social Scientists, London: Sage, p. 89-108 Gubrium J and Holstein J (eds), 2002, Handbook of Interview Research: Context and Method, London: Sage Keats D, 2000, Interviewing: A Practical Guide For Students and Professionals, Buckingham: Open University Press May T, 1997, Interviewing: methods and process in Social Research: Issues, methods and process, Second Edition, Buckingham: Open University Press, p. 109-131 Questionnaire design: Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) Ch10 (see also third edition, ch10) David M, and Sutton CD, 2004, The Survey: The Self-Completion Survey and Structured Interview p 159-174 in David M and Sutton CD, 2004, Social Research. The Basics, London: Sage
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Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman. , chC3 May T with Williams M, 1997, Social surveys: design to analysis in May T, 1997 , Social Research: Issues, methods and process, Second Edition, Buckingham: Open University Press, p 81-108 Moser C and Kalton G, 2004, Questionnaires p 73-97 in Seale, C. Ed 2004 Social Research Methods. A Reader, London: Routledge Sheehan K and Hoy M, 2004, On-Line Surveys p 105-110 in Seale C (ed) 2004, Social Research Methods. A Reader, London: Routledge Simmons R, 2001, Questionnaires in Gilbert N (ed), Researching Social Life Second Edition, London: Sage, p 85-104 Proctor M, 2001, 'Measuring Attitudes' in Gilbert N (ed), Researching Social Life Second Edition, London: Sage, p 105-122 Designing attitude scales, structured observation, secondary analysis Procter, M Measuring attitudes, ch.11 of Gilbert, 2008 Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition), chs.11, 13 Oppenheim, A (1992) Questionnaire design, interviewing and attitude measurement, London: Pinter, ch.10-12 Allum, N and Arber, S Secondary analysis of survey data, ch.19 in Gilbert, 2008 Dissemination, knowledge exchange and impact Becker S, Bryman A and Ferguson, H (2012) Understanding Research for Social Policy and Social Work: Themes, Methods and Approaches 2nd edition, Bristol: The Policy Press ch7 Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch29 Gilbert, N. (2001) Writing about Social Research, in Researching Social Life, London: Sage. Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman. ChE4 Nutley, S. Walter, I and Davies, H. (2007) Using evidence: how research can inform public services Bristol: Policy Press Richards, Lyn (2005) Handling Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide. London: Sage. And 2nd edition (2010) and associated website http://www.uk.sagepub.com/richards/default.htm Wolcott, H. (2002) Writing up Qualitative Research, London: Sage. 2nd edition. ESRC guidance on Impact http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/tools-and-resources/impact-toolkit/what-howand-why/what-is-research-impact.aspx Scottish Funding council website on knowledge exchange http://www.sfc.ac.uk/knowledge_exchange/knowledge_exchange.aspx Examples of applied publications: De Lima, P., Punch, S. and Whitehead, A. (2012) Exploring Childrens Experiences of Migration: Movement and Family Relationships, Briefing 61, Edinburgh: Centre for Research on Families and Relationships. Available at http://www.crfr.ac.uk/pubbriefings.html
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Punch, S., Dorrer, N., Emond, R. and McIntosh, I. (2009) Food Practices in Residential Childrens Homes: The Views and Experiences of Staff and Children, A Resource Handbook for Reflection, Stirling: University of Stirling. Available from: http://blogs.iriss.org.uk/food-for-thought/resources/ Emond, R., Dorrer, N., Punch, S. and McIntosh, I. (2009) Childrens Views on Food in Residential Care, Information Leaflet for Children and Young People, Stirling: University of Stirling. Available from: http://blogs.iriss.org.uk/food-for-thought/resources/ Qualitative interviewing and focus groups Qualitative interviewing: Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch20 Fielding N and Thomas H, 2008, Qualitative Interviewing in Gilbert N (ed), Researching Social Life, Third Edition, London: Sage, p 123-144 Lee RM, 1993, Asking sensitive questions in Doing research in sensitive topics, Sage: London, p 97-118 Mason J, (2002) Qualitative Researching, 2nd edition London: Sage, ch 3 Noaks L and Wincup E, 2004, Interviews Chapter 5 in Noaks L and Wincup E, Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods, London: Sage Punch, S. (2002) Interviewing Strategies with Young People: The Secret Box, Stimulus Material and Task-based Activities, Children & Society, 16 (1): 45-56. Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (2003), Qualitative Research Practice, London, Sage ch6 Seale C, 1999, Qualitative interviewing in Seale C (ed), Researching Society and Culture, London: Sage, p 202-216 Seidman I, (1998), Interviewing as Qualitative Research, London: Columbia University Press Focus groups: Barbour, R. (2007) Doing Focus Groups, Sage, London (available as e-book from library) Bloor, M., Frankland, J., Thomas, M. and Robson, K. (2001), Focus Groups in Social Research, London, Sage Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch21 Finch and Lewis (2003) Focus Groups in Ritchie and Lewis Qualitative Research Practice, London Sage Kreuger, R. and Casey, M.(2009), Focus Groups: a practical guide for applied research, London, Sage (4th edition) Punch, S. (2007) I Felt they were Ganging up on me: Interviewing Siblings at Home, Childrens Geographies, 5(3): 219-234 Webb, C. and Kevern, J. (2001), 'Focus groups as a research method: a critique of some aspects of their use in nursing research', Journal of Advanced Nursing, 33, 6, 798805 Wilkinson, S. (2004), 'Focus Group Research', in Silverman, D. (ed.), Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice (Second Edition), London, Sage Ethnography and participant observation Armstrong G, (1998) Football Hooligans: Knowing the Score, Berg Publishers
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Atkinson P, (1995) Medical Talk and Medical Work, London: Sage Atkinson, P., (2001) Handbook of ethnography, London: Sage Becker H, (1966) Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance, US: Free Press Bryman A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition) ch19 Hammersley, M. and Atkinson, P., (2007) Ethnography: principles in practice, (3rd Edition), London: Routledge Hey V, (1996) Company She Keeps: Ethnography of Girls Friendship, Buckingham: Open University Press. OReilly, K., (2009) Key Concepts in Ethnography, London: Sage Parker A, (1998) Staying On-side on the Inside: Problems and Dilemmas in Ethnography, Sociology Review, 7 (3), 10-13 Punch, S. (2012) Hidden Struggles of Fieldwork: Exploring the Role and Use of Field Diaries, Emotion, Space and Society, 5:86-93 Punch, S. (2012) Studying Transnational Migration: A Longitudinal and Multi -sited Ethnographic Approach, Journal of Migration and Ethnic Studies, 38(6): 1007-1023. Punch, S. (2004) Scrambling through the Ethnographic Forest: Research Commentary, in Lewis, V., Kellett, M., Robinson, C., Fraser, S. and Ding, S. (eds) The Reality of Research with Children and Young People, London: Sage, pp. 94-119 Sands, R., (2002) Sport Ethnography, Leeds: Human Kinetics Taylor A, (1993) Women Drug Users: An Ethnography of a Female Injecting Community Oxford: Oxford University Press Some further useful references on using online methodologies Bryman, A (2012) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press: Oxford (fourth edition), ch28 Matthews, B. and Ross, L. (2010) Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences, Harlow: Longman Ch C10 Blurring the Boundaries: new social media new social science http://www.methodspace.com/group/nsmnss Social Research Online: http://www.socresonline.org.uk/home.html

MODULE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE A questionnaire seeking your views about the module will be available via Succeed. Please complete this your views are most welcome.

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