Principles of social research: sociology special project module
Qualification dates
| Start |
End |
|
|
Social research lies at the heart of understanding our complex world. Through this module, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and tools needed to undertake an independent 7,000-word dissertation investigating a sociological issue of your choice. Working with secondary qualitative and quantitative data, as well as primary qualitative data such as documents and media content, you’ll explore the different meanings, issues and settings of sociological research. Grounded in application, methodology and ethics, the module will build on your previous studies to help you produce a coherent, analytical, ethically aware and methodologically sound dissertation.
What you will study
The module is divided into the following five blocks:
Block 1: Getting started with sociological research
You’ll begin by exploring the core principles, ethics, and politics of sociological research, focusing on social differences, power structures, and institutions. You’ll refine research themes, select designs, and consider limitations while addressing ethical issues like informed consent and data sensitivity. By the end of this block, you’ll have a solid foundation to develop your research question.
Block 2: Planning sociological research
The focus of this block will be on literature reviews, research dissemination, and structuring your research. You’ll learn to search, evaluate, and organise academic sources using bibliographic tools while practising concept mapping and note-taking. Additionally, you’ll explore research communication, defining your audience and objectives, and using tools like social media and presentations. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy for reviewing literature and presenting findings.
Block 3: Empirical research methods
Block 3 covers selecting data sources, data collection, and analysis. You’ll explore qualitative and quantitative methods, including thematic, content, discourse, and numerical analysis. Choosing the right analytical approach is crucial in shaping what you can uncover from your data. This block will help you make informed methodological choices for your research.
Block 4: Writing your dissertation
In this block, you’ll focus on structuring and writing your dissertation. With guidance from novelist and writing coach Beth Miller, you’ll develop strategies for getting started, maintaining momentum, and completing your project. Beyond technical skills, you’ll explore sociological writing as an analytical and creative process. You’ll also submit a comprehensive dissertation plan feedback.
Block 5: Crossing the finish line
This final block recaps the key concepts from blocks 1–4 while guiding you through structuring your research, refining your argument, and incorporating feedback. You’ll develop editing skills and explore how your research could influence public opinion, policy, or activism.
The module concludes with seven weeks of independent study to consolidate your findings and complete your dissertation.
You will learn
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- critically analyse and interpret published empirical research
- formulate a research question and choose an appropriate research method
- develop the analytical skills necessary to complete a dissertation.
Additionally, your digital literacy and employability will be enhanced, equipping you with transferable skills. These include:
- communicating effectively with diverse audiences
- gathering and analysing information using various research techniques
- critically evaluating empirical research
- developing the ability to commission and assess research.
Throughout the module, you will be guided step by step through the research process. This will help you critically reimagine social structures, relationships, and inequalities while preparing you for academic and professional research challenges.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 3 module that builds on the skills acquired at OU levels 1 and 2. Before registering, you should have completed the relevant sociology modules at OU levels 1 and 2. It is strongly advised that you have completed Social research: crime, justice, and society (DD215).
To succeed, you should:
- be prepared to study sociological research methods and complete a substantial piece of independent academic writing (7,000 words)
- be a competent computer user and proficient in internet research
- have strong reading and writing skills in English.
Preparatory work
Before starting the module, it will be helpful to identify research areas that spark your sociological curiosity.
What's included
You will receive a printed module book and access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- module materials
- discussion forums
- audio and video resources
- assessment guide
- online tutorials
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.