Digital Methods for Research in the Social Sciences

14 May 15:30 to 18 June 17:00

This module explores issues and methods involved in conducing qualitative and/or ethnographic research in the social sciences related to the digital. This includes use of “digital tools” – e.g. mobile phones, GPS technology and software programmes for data gathering and analysis – to supplement conventional ethnographic and qualitative research methods, as well as approaches, strategies and techniques for conducting research which engages directly with online and digital environments, including social media platforms, blogs and discussion forums and fully immersive digital realms such as video games and virtual worlds. 

In light of the ongoing intensification of social interaction and association which occurs online and, in the aftermath of a global pandemic which severely curtailed possibilities for conducting research in direct contact with others, the module explores possibilities and opportunities for undertaking research in digitally-mediated realms and/or of utilising qualitative digital research methods either to complement or in lieu of more conventional, analogue research methodologies.

In addition to attending weekly seminar-style sessions, participants will be asked to design and undertake a small-scale digital research project, informed by the topics covered in this module, to be presented for discussion in the final class meeting.

 

Objectives:

1. To explore and gain a clearer understanding of theoretical, methodological, practical and ethical issues involved in conducting social sciences research engaged with digital and online environments.
2. To gain practical, hands-on experience of conducting research engaged with online/digital realms though the guided development and undertaking of a small-scale research project.
3. Through a combination of engagement with published ethnographic case studies and related theoretical literature AND development and undertaking of a practical, small-scale, digital research project in stages (proposal > feedback > research > 

Session 1 - 14 May, 15:30 - 17:00

Session 2 - 21 May, 15:30 - 17:00

Session 3 - 28 May, 15:30 - 17:00

Session 4 - 4 June, 15:30 - 17:00

Session 5 - 11 June, 15:30 - 17:00

Session 6 - Presentation session - either 18 or 19 June, 14:30 - 17:00 (you will be given the option to choose one of these final sessions)

 

 

TO BOOK

Apply here

 

 

Our booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

 

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel using the CoSy booking system (link in booking confirmation email) giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations by email will not be accepted. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.