This course offers a hands-on introduction to designing public opinion surveys and analysing secondary survey data. Students will learn to design effective surveys, analyse survey data, and interpret results - valuable skills for dissertation research and a wide range of careers.

Lectures: one hour per week for 10 weeks

Seminars: one hour per week for 5 weeks (weeks 1-5)

Workshops in computer lab: one hour per week for 5 weeks (weeks 6-10)

None

NA

Summative assessments

1. Written proposal for a survey on some topic chosen by the student: (1) describe the method of sampling, including a discussion of cost vs quality trade-off; (2) write the questionnaire, with discussion of how questions link to variables of interest. This tests material from weeks 1-6. Worth 60%

2. Written analysis of an existing secondary survey dataset: (1) select some variables from an existing survey dataset; (2) discuss issues such as the coding / recoding of questions, presence and handling of missing values and survey weights; (3) describe 2-3 important patterns in the data using univariate and bivariate summaries and visualisations. This tests material from weeks 7-10. Worth 40%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to introduce students to techniques and methods for designing and implementing public opinion surveys (60% of the course), and for analysing existing survey datasets (40% focus). Students will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of survey research, including sampling, question design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Through hands-on assessments, students will develop valuable skills that are sought after by a range of employers in the public, private, and third sectors.

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

■ Evaluate representative and non-representative sampling methods, considering both advantages and disadvantages.

■ Design an effective survey questionnaire that translates social science concepts into measurable questions while addressing ethical and practical considerations.

■ Locate a secondary survey dataset and prepare for analysis, including handling missing values, applying weights, and constructing valid scales as required.

■ Analyse and interpret survey data using appropriate statistical methods to produce clear and valid inferences.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.