Social Science Research Methods MSc
Art and Science of Surveys: Designing Questions and Analysing Data (H) SPS4011
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
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.
Timetable
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)
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
NA
Assessment
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%
Course Aims
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.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
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.