Course coordinator
Dr Michael Gavin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Politic Sc & Internat Studies
This course introduces students to the process of designing a research project, focusing in particular on common approaches to data collection and analysis in social science research. Students will develop an understanding of the relative merits of contrasting methodologies, and skills in identifying methodological rigour and ethical design.
In this course, students will learn to develop research questions, locate them within a theoretical framework, identify the most appropriate methodological designs and methods to answer them, and consider the ethical implications of their research. At the end of the course, students should be able to develop a research project suitable for Masters level. Even if you are not planning to undertake a thesis, these exercises will enhance your critical skills as a consumer of social research, thus delivering benefits for your current studies and beyond.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course consists of 12 two-hour seminars commencing in Week 1.
Aims and outcomes
The main aim of this course is to introduce students to the research process in the social sciences, including how to choose research questions and undertake a literature review, as well as introduce students to a range of methods and methodologies commonly used. This course will assist students in designing a viable research proposal appropriate for a Masters level project. By the end of the course students should have developed a sophisticated understanding of the research process, the relative merits of contrasting methodological approaches to social inquiry and an appreciation of the issues that need to be considered in order to produce ethically sound social research.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a well-founded knowledge of the key ideas and issues in the field of research methods.
LO2.
Demonstrate acquired conceptual and analytical capacities, along with an ability to apply these skills as appropriate.
LO3.
Develop intellectual tools and skills that will make you more competitive in your future professional activities in a variety of fields and positions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Class participation
|
10% |
28/07/2025 - 20/10/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique, Project |
Dataset and essay
|
45% |
31/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Quizzes
|
30% |
25/08/2025 20/10/2025 |
| Presentation |
Poster session
|
15% |
27/10/2025 |
Assessment details
Class participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 20/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Active engagement with the teaching activities and course materials is an essential part of studying POLS7701. Participation is not just about making smart comments or getting answers to questions right. It is also about airing ideas, asking questions, participating in small group discussions, and contributing to a productive classroom discussion.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (Al) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Al or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Dataset and essay
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment requires students to (1) construct and analyze an original dataset and (2) write a 3000 word research essay based on your dataset. You will submit your dataset and essay to Turnitin.
Constructing an original dataset may sound daunting, but I will guide you through the process from start to finish. The primary task for the dataset is to systematically code observations, typically from primary documents of some sort. Examples will be provided in class. For those having difficulty finding a topic, I have several possible datasets for you to work on. No quantitative experience is required or expected. Even if you are scared of numbers, you will be able to complete this assessment to a high standard.
Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use Al and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of Al or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative Al or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You will submit your dataset and essay (one Excel spreadsheet, one essay in Word) electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.
In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.
If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.
Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.
Quizzes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
25/08/2025
20/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
There will be two in-class quizzes. Quizzes will be 40 minutes long, hand written, and consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Quiz 1: Week 5
Quiz 2: Week 12
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (Al) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Al or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
In exceptional circumstances only, if a student is unable to attend a quiz, an alternative assessment may be arranged. Please contact the course coordinator directly.
Poster session
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
27/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
In the final class of the year, students will participate in a poster session presenting their essay. In addition to being stationed at your poster discussing your research and answering questions, students will have the opportunity to mingle and learn about other students’ research.
If you are unable to attend the poster session due to exceptional circumstances / illness (relevant supporting documentation is required), please contact me before 8am on the day of the poster session.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (Al) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Al or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your poster on Turnitin before the poster session.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student does not address the question, shows no evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student addresses the question poorly and shows very little evidence of reading. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student makes an effort to establish a single major argument for the essay and employs some research which is correlated with the argument. Makes a visible effort to achieve adequate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Evidence of attempting to achieve a recognisable narrative flow appears throughout the assignment. The student addresses the question and shows evidence of required research and a basic grasp of the issues at hand. However, falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student makes a reasonable effort to provide evidence to support a visible argument and employs an adequate research base to support the argument. Achieves a reasonable, if not completely coherent standard of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A recognisable narrative flow is sustained throughout the essay. The student answers the question and shows evidence of adequate research and a degree of understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student provides suitable evidence to support an argument and employs a comprehensive research base that directly relates to the topic, though it may not completely support the argument. Achieves decent levels of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct, well supported fashion and shows evidence of some wide reading and a reasonable understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a very good grasp of the chosen topic and provides a considerable amount of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student employs a reasonably extensive and well-organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and achieves a high level of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct, reasonably sophisticated fashion, employs wide research and shows a sound understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a highly sophisticated grasp of the topic and succeeds in addressing the question by providing a high level of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student employs an extensive and well organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and achieves impeccable levels of grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct and elegant fashion, employs significant research and shows a deep understanding of the issues at hand. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be awarded on the following basis:
1.ﾠ Failﾠ 1 - 19%
2. Failﾠ 20 - 44%
3. Failﾠ 45 - 49%
4. Passﾠ 50 - 64 %
5. Creditﾠ 65 - 74 %
6. Distinctionﾠ 75 - 84 %
7. High Distinctionﾠ 85 - 100 %
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Word Count and Word Limit Penalty
Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. With a 3000 word limit, you may write up to 3300 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade.
Students should note:
• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;
• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.
Marking Criteria/Rubric
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Essay Guide
The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.
The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments.
Essay Writing Assistance
The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.
There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.
The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.
Student Services
Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.
Library Resources
UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.
The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.
There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.
Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction In this seminar we will go over course expectations and how research methods can help us think more clearly about the social world. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Politics as science? In this seminar we will examine to what extent political science can be understood as a science. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Questions, theories, and literature reviews This week we will discuss the most basic building blocks of a research project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Observation I Making observations in the social sciences is surprisingly difficult. We will talk about it. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Observation II We will have a practical, hands on workshop coding documentation to construct an original dataset. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 6: Ethics Adhering to ethical principles is crucial to safeguard the dignity, rights, and welfare of research participants. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Experiments and the comparative method In our first seminar on research methodologies, we begin with experiments and the comparative method. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Qualitative methods This seminar will examine influential methods in qualitative research. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Essay workshop Come prepared to work on your dataset and essay. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: Holiday No class due to public holiday |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 11: Large-n methods In this seminar we explore basic ways that you can analyze a dataset. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 12: AI and data visualization Using AI will only become more important over time. In this seminar we will talk about it. I am also interested in hearing your experiences with AI. We will also examine some interesting examples of data visualization. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
Week 13: Poster presentation This week we will have our poster presentation session. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.