Dissertation (MSc Data Analytics and Social Statistics)

SOST70010 Dissertation (MSc Data Analytics and Social Statistics) 40 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Ioana Macoveciuc Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 20.0 In this unit, students will identify and investigate a research topic of interest relevant to professional practice in the social sciences. The dissertation should take the form of a quantitative research study that utilises secondary social data, preferably from a large-scale survey. In the early stages of design and planning, each student will complete a mandatory dissertation preparation form in which they will list three topics of interest in order of preference. For each individual topic, the student will identify: (1) potential research gaps, (2) data sources, (3) relevant samples of academic literature, and (4) potentially suitable statistical techniques. The form will be submitted by the student to their assigned supervisor, and they will receive online formative feedback and guidance on the most appropriate topic selection. Once agreed with the supervisor, the student will then proceed to develop their dissertation plan, and will prepare a 5-minute presentation for which they will receive formative online feedback. Through the participation in these two formative elements, students will further consolidate their plan and methodological approach. Throughout the dissertation period, students will follow a recommended timeline, and will receive support through frequent synchronous sessions with their assigned dissertation supervisor.   In this unit, students will identify and investigate a research topic of interest relevant to professional practice in the social sciences. The dissertation should take the form of a quantitative research study that utilises secondary social data, preferably from a large-scale survey. In the early stages of design and planning, each student will complete a mandatory dissertation preparation form in which they will list three topics of interest in order of preference. For each individual topic, the student will identify: (1) potential research gaps, (2) data sources, (3) relevant samples of academic literature, and (4) potentially suitable statistical techniques. The form will be submitted by the student to their assigned supervisor, and they will receive online formative feedback and guidance on the most appropriate topic selection. Once agreed with the supervisor, the student will then proceed to develop their dissertation plan, and will prepare a 5-minute presentation for which they will receive formative online feedback. Through the participation in these two formative elements, students will further consolidate their plan and methodological approach. Throughout the dissertation period, students will follow a recommended timeline, and will receive support through frequent synchronous sessions with their assigned dissertation supervisor.   The unit aims to: Provide guidance and instruction in designing, planning, conducting, and writing an independent piece of quantitative research in the social sciences.    <ul> <li paraeid="{eb69d244-c4c9-4ed3-ab7d-3b49a7e7c570}{185}" paraid="628342197">Demonstrate broad and in-depth knowledge of current trends and debates in data analytics and social statistics;   </li> <li paraeid="{eb69d244-c4c9-4ed3-ab7d-3b49a7e7c570}{196}" paraid="1682020378">Show critical engagement with research and scholarship;  </li> <li paraeid="{eb69d244-c4c9-4ed3-ab7d-3b49a7e7c570}{196}" paraid="1682020378">Recommend improvements in social science professional practice and research agenda, including their own study.  </li></ul> <ul> <li>Evaluate relevant bodies of literature in the social sciences;  </li> <li>Appraise different theoretical perspectives in the social sciences and make evidence-based assessments;  </li> <li paraeid="{eb69d244-c4c9-4ed3-ab7d-3b49a7e7c570}{248}" paraid="310524231">Identify an appropriate range of research methods for a chosen dataset;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{4}" paraid="685507284">Develop robust research questions or hypotheses;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{15}" paraid="459625737">Synthesise and evaluate findings;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{26}" paraid="427557332">Deliver clear evidence-based and data-driven conclusions and recommendations;  </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{26}" paraid="427557332">Exhibit critical reasoning through generating research findings that add to the existing body of knowledge in the social sciences.  </li></ul> <ul> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{50}" paraid="238828301">Conduct literature reviews using a range of bibliographic techniques and sources;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{61}" paraid="934423930">Analyse, synthesise, and apply relevant concepts and methods to a chosen topic;  </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{72}" paraid="1233612108">Design and conduct a research project using secondary data;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{83}" paraid="585050506">Write using appropriate format, structure, presentation, language, and tone suitable for academic audiences.   </li></ul> <ul> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{96}" paraid="561848200">Analyse and evaluate academic literature and other sources of information and evidence;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{107}" paraid="1479503030">Apply problem-solving skills to identify and address research gaps using suitable methodological approaches;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{118}" paraid="778725074">Recognise, evaluate, and draw appropriate conclusions given methodological limitations;    </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{129}" paraid="1123509484">Assess potential shortcomings in the research process and derive appropriate solutions to address these in a timely manner;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{140}" paraid="669490019">Illustrate high quality writing using language appropriate to an academic audience;   </li> <li paraeid="{d85cca38-e18a-4a74-8626-54fa4ab44d83}{151}" paraid="1850685332">Utilise Information Technology effectively to search databases and other internet resources for literature and producing documents using word processing and presentation programs.  </li></ul> This element of the MSc programme will comprise of frequent online support, including synchronous sessions with the assigned supervisor. Students will also be able to engage with online peer support through the programme VLE.   0 Other 100% Dissertation Preparation Form (non-assessed) Dissertation Presentation (5 minutes, non-assessed) Dissertation (9000 words, 100%)  Online feedback within 15 working days on formative assignments and detailed online feedback in line with school policy for the dissertation.   Successful completion of all taught Masters components    N The following research methods texts are recommended to all students:   Berry, R. (2004). The Research Project: How To Write It. 5th edn. London: Routledge.   Robson, C. and McCartan, K. (2002). Real World Research. 4th edn. Oxford: Blackwell.   Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2010) How to Research. 4th edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.   For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:   <a href="http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/academicsupport/informationandadviceonlink2listsreadinglistsoftware/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/academicsupport/informationandadviceonlink2listsreadinglistsoftware/</a>   0 0 0 Scheduled activity hours Directed Study – 50 hours  Independent study hours Planning and Completion – 350 hours