HPSC0140

Research Methods in Science and Technology Studies

It will cover research design; qualitative and quantitative methods; research management and ethics; and the epistemology of social research. The course is strongly recommended for any students wanting to undertake empirical social science research for their dissertation, and for students who want to familiarise themselves with how social scientists (particularly within STS) undertake research. In addition, for those wishing to apply for ESRC +3 PhD funding, it is designed to cover the core training requirements specified within Annex I of the ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines (2009).

Objectives:

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of research methods in STS and social science more generally, comprising both qualitative and quantitative methods. It will cover research design; qualitative and quantitative methods; research management and ethics; and the epistemology of social research. The course is strongly recommended for any students wanting to undertake empirical social science research for their dissertation, and for students who want to familiarise themselves with how social scientists (particularly within STS) undertake research.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Be introduced to a range of qualitative and quantitative social research methods used in STS and understand their strengths and weaknesses
• Be introduced to underlying epistemological, ontological, ethical and axiological issues underpinning social research
• Know how to formulate research questions
• Understand the relationship between research questions and methodological approach
• Have engaged with the relevant academic literature on research methods

UCL Module Catalogue: Research Methods in Science and Technology Studies (HPSC0140)