Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-science-research-chinese-society

Introduction

# Course Review: Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2 If you're looking to delve deeper into the intricacies of social science research, particularly in the context of Chinese society, Coursera's "Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2" is a course that deserves your attention. Offering a structured framework for understanding and conducting social research, this course is geared towards learners who are eager to become producers of research rather than mere consumers of knowledge. ## Course Overview The course is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the design and execution of research studies. It comprises six weeks, each focusing on critical components of social science research. With an emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the course prepares students to develop robust research proposals and understand the data landscape within social sciences—specifically concerning China. ## Detailed Syllabus Breakdown ### Week 1: **Designing a Study** The opening week welcomes students into the world of research design. Here, you'll be introduced to the essence of research and the pivotal role of each element in a research proposal. This foundation is crucial for those who intend to initiate their own research projects. Engaging in discussion forums aids in networking with fellow learners, fostering a sense of community. ### Week 2: **Evidence** In the second week, the focus shifts to identifying and utilizing sources of evidence. Social scientists often rely on various types of qualitative and quantitative data, and by the end of this week, you should be able to pinpoint major sources relevant to your topics of interest. This skill is essential for crafting meaningful and impactful research. ### Week 3: **Sampling** Understanding sampling is crucial for conducting legitimate surveys. Week 3 dives into random sampling and outlines common sampling approaches. You will emerge from this week with insights into the significance of sampling strategies and the critical considerations involved in selecting an appropriate method for your study. ### Week 4: **Public Data for China** One of the most exciting facets of this course is its focus on public data. In Week 4, students explore various sources of publicly available data, including the opportunities and challenges they present. Understanding how to leverage this data can significantly enhance the quality of your research. ### Week 5: **Quantitative Analysis** Week 5 provides a primer on quantitative analysis, outlining basic methods and the key issues to consider when interpreting results. This module is invaluable for learners who aspire to work with numerical data, as it equips them with the skills to analyze findings effectively. ### Week 6: **Research and Professional Ethics** Ethics is a cornerstone of reputable research. In this week, you will study the major ethical and professional concerns that researchers must navigate. Knowledge of these ethical considerations lays the groundwork for conducting responsible and credible research. ### Final Week: **Where to Go from Here** In the concluding week, the course wraps up with guidance on continuing your studies in social science research. It’s beneficial for participants to understand the pathways available for further education and professional development in this field. ### **Final Exam** You will complete the course with a final exam, which evaluates your grasp of the course content and provides you with an opportunity to reflect on your learning journey. Participating in the post-course survey also offers valuable feedback to course instructors, fostering continuous improvement. ## Recommendation Overall, "Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2" stands out as a highly insightful course, especially for those interested in developing practical research skills within the social sciences. The structured approach, combined with the practical focus on real-world data sources, empowers learners to take confident strides toward their research ambitions. Whether you're a student, a novice researcher, or simply someone intrigued by social sciences, I highly recommend this course. You will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that can be immediately applied to real-world research scenarios. Engage with the material, participate in discussions, and take full advantage of the resources provided—there's much to gain from this enriching academic endeavor.

Syllabus

Designing a Study

Welcome to Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2! Part 2 focuses on being a PRODUCER of Social Science Research. Take some time to review the course overview, assignments for this course and say hello in the discussion forum.

Evidence

Week 2 will discuss the kind sources social scientists use for research. By the end of this week, you should be able to identify some of these major sources and perhaps pinpoint some sources that can be used in your own study.

Sampling

By the end of Week 3, you should be able to understand why RANDOM SAMPLING is important in a survey, outline the most common approaches to sampling and discuss key considerations when choosing a sampling strategy for your study.

Public Data for China

Week 4 discusses major sources of public data available to you. By the end of this week you should be able to describe the opportunities as well as the challenges associated with using publicly available survey data.

Quantitative Analysis

Week 5 will give you a taste of the basic methods for quantitative analysis. From there you should be able to identify key issues when interpreting results and discuss implications for research.

Research and Professional Ethics

By the end of this week you should be able to describe major ethical and professional concerns in social science research.

Where to go from here

Welcome to the last week of Part 2! By the end of this week you should be able to be aware of the options you have for further study in social science research and know the steps to move forward in the application process for advanced training.

Final exam

You've reached the final exam week! Complete the final exam and the post-course survey. Your feedback can help us improve the course. Thank you for being a part of this course and good luck for your pursuit of advanced studies in social science research!