Introduction to Social Research (SOCY2019)

Course overview

This course introduces students to the foundations, tools, and techniques of social research. It does this by embedding questions of method into a broad framework of research design and analysis so that research is approached as a holistic enterprise in which theory, method and analysis are interrelated. Rather than simply offering a suite of different qualitative and quantitative research methods for students to trial, this course takes as its starting point the kinds of questions researchers pose about the social world and the various methodologies and methods that inform these questions. It also encourages students to be critical about their research practice and to consider the ways that research has supported the project of settler colonialism in its treatment of Indigenous peoples and communities. Students will be introduced to Indigenous perspectives on research, not only as subjects of research by non-Indigenous researchers, but as skilled researchers with their own ways of knowing, being and doing. The course also exposes students to the affordances of Generative AI in research and equips them with the skills to become ethical and critical users of GenAI across the research process. On completion of this course, students will be skilled in the art of reflexive, ethical and methodologically rigorous social research. 

Welcome to SOCY2019 - Introduction to Research. This course is a second level course for sociology, criminology and social science students, as well as students from other programs who are seeking to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of social research. One of the problems with conventional methods courses is that the technical issues of research methods (i.e., the manner through which data are generated or analysed) are taken as the starting point for subsequent discussion which means that many methods courses are typically designed as either quantitative or qualitative. The result is a failure to appreciate that the broad principles of good research are the same regardless of method and the creation of methodological silos where researchers gravitate to one approach at the expense of the other. It also reinforces the idea that research begins with method. In practice, however, the research methods we choose are influenced by a whole range of other, more fundamental, decisions about the kind of research questions that we want answered, the features of social life that we want to explore, the concepts through which we understand them, and the question of 'what counts as data' for those features of social life, however we define them. This is the approach we take in SOCY2019.

But good research is not simply about the successful deployment of research tools and techniques in a way that is consistent with methodological traditions. Good research takes a critical look at itself to reflect on how it reinforces power differentials between researcher and researched, and knower and known. These power relations are inherent in all forms of research when it is the researcher rather than the research participant who typically selects the topic, the population of interest, the methods, and the interpretation of data. Researchers have become increasingly aware of these power dynamics over time and often seek to manage them through greater reflexivity in their practice and the use of more participatory and action-oriented methods. But, as you will see in this course, research has also historically supported the project of settler colonialism in many countries across the world, including Australia, where the settlement of incoming populations has been accompanied by structures and systems that eradicate, reduce or control existing populations. The effects of colonial settlement and the role that researchers have played in this process are still very much alive today. In this course, you will start to engage critically with research as a colonial practice by seeing how research is typically experienced from the standpoint of Indigenous and other marginalised peoples but you will also learn, from Indigenous authors, the methodologies, ethics and practices that they are using to foreground the knowledges, priorities, and values of Indigenous

Another advancement in social research is the development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (or Gen AI). Gen AI incorporates tools such as ChatGPT, Chat PDF, Microsoft Bing, Claud, Chat and Google Bard that can assist in the research process. The development of Gen AI has created huge opportunities as well as practical and ethical challenges in the way we work and study, including concerns over infringement of copyright for material used in generating content without the authors’ permission, and the heightened risk to the integrity of your work if you draw on material sourced externally without proper attribution. The material produced by Gen AI can also be factually incorrect (it makes things up), susceptible to bias, lacking in creativity and critical insight, and unable to grasp the meaning, subjectivity and the depth of human experiences – all skills that are fundamental to social scientists.

But Gen AI is also hugely beneficial to the research process, particularly in helping summarise large volumes of data, coming up with ideas for research projects, researching answers to your questions, providing inspiration in your writing, and even drafting content. But it will only work well if you are already skilled researchers with the capacity to discern whether the outputs of Gen AI are of sufficient quality and meet the brief of what you have been asked to do. In this course, you will learn to use Gen AI in an informed and critical way to help with various aspects of the research process.

For more information on the use of Gen AI for your studies more broadly, check out the following UQ guides and resources:ﾠ

Using AI tools in your studies: https://uq.pressbooks.pub/digital-essentials-artificial-intelligence/chapter/using-ai-tools-in-your-studies/#study-help

Using AI in your Studies – Digital Essentials: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/research-tools-techniques/digital-essentials/artificial-intelligence?p=3#3

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of social research. There is no requirement for you to have completed any previous methods training although some prior social science learning will be useful.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Timetables are available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional Timetable Information

Your learning will take place through a blended learning approach that aligns course delivery modes with core learning priorities following the curriculum design model of Wiggins and McTighe (2005). This is intended to give you flexibility in how you study, through:

• Self-paced online material that you can study in your own time at your own pace;
• Weekly lectures on the core ideas relating to research, with the course coordinators;
• Biweekly (every second week) interactive tutorials where you practice your skills as a researcher in collaboration with other students under the guidance of a tutor.

Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email the School of Social Science Administration Team at student.socsci@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details: full name, student ID, and course code. 

Please read the course material on UQ Extend before you come to class. You may struggle with some of the conversations and activities in class if you have not done so. You are still strongly encouraged to attend all classes to maximise your learning and the application of your research skills even if you have not prepared. You will learn more by coming along and listening than you will if you do not come at all because you have not prepared.

Reference: Wiggins, G. and McTighe, J. (2005) Understanding by Design, Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to equip students with an understanding of the theory and practice of social research. Its goal is not only to equip students with skills in particular data-generation techniques (e.g., interviews, ethnography and social surveys), but also for students to approach social research as a holistic enterprise in which theory, method and analysis are interrelated. Rather than simply offering a suite of different research methods for students to trial, this course takes as its starting point the kinds of questions researchers pose about the social world and the various methodologies and methods that inform these questions and influence the way research is conducted. It also encourages students to be critical about their research practice, first by engaging with the decolonising perspectives of Indigenous scholars on the importance of conducting respectful, reciprocal and culturally appropriate research with Indigenous peoples and communities, and second by developing skills in the ethical use of Generative AI in the research process. On completion of this course, students will be skilled in the art of reflexive, ethical and methodologically rigorous social research. 

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Assignment 1 Problem Statement

Mode

Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection

Weight

30% 800 words

Due date

1/04/2026 2:00 pm

Submit via Course Blackboard Ultra (TurnItIn).

Learning outcomes

L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your assessment electronically by the due time, on the due date. 

Your assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard Ultra. To submit your assessment electronically log in to Blackboard Ultra with your UQ username and password and navigate to the relevant submission link for that assessment item on Blackboard Ultra. No emailed submissions of assessments will be accepted. 

By submitting your assessment through Turnitin, you confirm that all work is your own, except where properly referenced. Only submit assessments that contain your original work. 

You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt within a few hours, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.  

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit your application on or before the assessment due date and time.  

Grounds of an Extension 

A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. All extension requests must be accompanied by documentation that supports the reason for the request. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

Students registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services / SAP 

In the School of Social Science, extensions granted on the basis of registration with Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) or a Student Access Plan (SAP) will be the lesser of 7 calendar days or the maximum extension allowable for the assessment task. 

More information is provided in Part D of the Assessment Procedure. 

Discretionary Extensions 

You are eligible for a discretionary extension for a single assessment task per semester of study for a duration of 48 hours, with no documentation required. You can apply if the assessment task allows (see the course profile for details) and if it is your first extension request for that assessment.  

You cannot receive an extension using both discretionary grounds and SAP grounds for the same assessment and must select one basis when making their initial request. 

Maximum Extension Requests 

You can request a maximum of 3 extensions for the same assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. If after the third approved extension you submit the assessment late, late penalties will apply. 

Late Extension Applications 

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Additional information 

Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. Course Coordinators are unable to grant extensions directly.  

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation to the next graduation period. 

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.

Assessments will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Assignment 2 Article Review

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

30% 1,000 words

Due date

5/05/2026 2:00 pm

Submit via Course Blackboard Ultra (TurnItIn)

Learning outcomes

L01

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your assessment electronically by the due time, on the due date. 

Your assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard Ultra. To submit your assessment electronically log in to Blackboard Ultra with your UQ username and password and navigate to the relevant submission link for that assessment item on Blackboard Ultra. No emailed submissions of assessments will be accepted. 

By submitting your assessment through Turnitin, you confirm that all work is your own, except where properly referenced. Only submit assessments that contain your original work. 

You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt within a few hours, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.  

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit your application on or before the assessment due date and time.  

Grounds of an Extension 

A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. All extension requests must be accompanied by documentation that supports the reason for the request. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

Students registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services / SAP 

In the School of Social Science, extensions granted on the basis of registration with Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) or a Student Access Plan (SAP) will be the lesser of 7 calendar days or the maximum extension allowable for the assessment task. 

More information is provided in Part D of the Assessment Procedure. 

Discretionary Extensions 

You are eligible for a discretionary extension for a single assessment task per semester of study for a duration of 48 hours, with no documentation required. You can apply if the assessment task allows (see the course profile for details) and if it is your first extension request for that assessment.  

You cannot receive an extension using both discretionary grounds and SAP grounds for the same assessment and must select one basis when making their initial request. 

Maximum Extension Requests 

You can request a maximum of 3 extensions for the same assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. If after the third approved extension you submit the assessment late, late penalties will apply. 

Late Extension Applications 

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Additional information 

Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. Course Coordinators are unable to grant extensions directly.  

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation to the next graduation period. 

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.

Assessments will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Assignment 3 Exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40% approximately 1,000 words

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

You can request a deferred exam if you can provide evidence of unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from sitting your original exam at its scheduled date and time. All deferred exam requests must be accompanied by documentation that supports the reason for the request. The request will be assessed based solely on the evidence you provide when you apply. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

An application on the basis of a Student Access Plan (SAP) alone will not be accepted. If you are applying on medical grounds, a registered medical practitioner must assess your condition and provide a signed medical certificate that covers the day of the examination. You must obtain a medical certificate no later than two business days after the date of the original examination. Further details of acceptable evidence for deferred examination can be found here. 

Additional information on eligibility and application instructions, can be found on my.UQ’s Deferred Exam Information page. 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Grades are calculated based on the marks received which are awarded according to how well each piece of assessment has met the required criteria. Please read the grade descriptions carefully to understand what is required for the award of a particular grade. For example, demonstrating proficiency in achieving the course learning outcomes is sufficient for a grade 5 whereas a grade 7 requires exceptional achievement of the learning outcomes.

A final grade is determined ﾠby adding together the sum of all individual assessment tasks.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements and graduate attributes for an eligible course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow, and only for students who receive a final grade of 3 or N. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ. 

Additional assessment information

Academic Integrity: You must complete the Academic Integrity Modules by the due date. 

School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments 

Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to you in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.  

Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result  

Student Grievance Resolution and Appeals: If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may appeal through the Formal Administrative Grievances/Appeals process as per the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure. Before submitting an appeal, it is recommended that you review the Student Grievance Resolution Guideline. If you require help with drafting an appeal, Student Advocacy and Support can provide assistance. Time limits apply to submit an appeal; please refer to Student Grievance Resolution Procedure for the relevant timeframes.  

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

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

This course does not prescribe weekly set readings. Most of the information you require is available in the online modules, although there is a textbook that you can refer to if you want to read up on a topic in more detail.

• Neuman, W. L. (2014) Social Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (7th Ed.), Harlow: Pearson Education.

It is not necessary for you to purchase this book since it is available online through the UQ library. You can also access hard copies for short-term loan in the library.

You are also required to undertake a small amount of supplementary reading for some topics that are not covered by the textbook. You can find details of these readings on the SOCY2019 Extend Platform – see the ‘Overview’ page each week.

Student consultation

The SOCY2019 teaching staff are on hand to assist you with your learning, in tutorials but also through one-on-one consultation if you have any questions about the course. You can access support in the following ways:

1. In class consultation - the tutorials run for two hours and include opportunities for consultation with your tutor if you would like to speak with your tutor face-to-face.
2. Drop-in consultation sessions for assessment - The teaching staff will be on hand to provide consultation in the lead up to assessment through the provision of drop-in sessions where you can receive one-on-one support with your assessment. These sessions are as follows:

• Assignment 1. Problem statement - Friday 27th March, 14.00-15.00. Room - TBA (directly after the lecture)
• Assignment 2. Article review - Friday 24th April, 14.00-15.00. Room - TBA (directly after the lecture)
• Assignment 3. Exam - Friday 29th May, 14.00-15.00. Room - TBA (directly after the last lecture)

1. By email - you can contact the teaching staff by email at any time using the SOCY2019 course email address - SOCY2019student@uq.edu.au. This email address will be monitored every day except weekends and you will typically receive a reply within 24 hours. If you email on a Friday, you will receive a reply on the Monday. Please do not contact your tutor directly by email. If you do, they will ask that you redirect your inquiry to the course email address.
2. Blackboard Ultra messages - If you want to communicate directly with a course coordinator about a personal or confidential matter, you may contact Sandra or Lynda through the Blackboard Ultra site using the messages function.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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
• AI for Assessment Guide

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.