Program Overview

University Program Information

The University of Hong Kong offers various programs through its Department of Sociology.

Programmes

• Undergraduate
  • Criminology Major/Minor
  • Media & Cultural Studies Major/Minor
  • Sociology Major/Minor
• Taught postgraduate
  • MSocSc Criminology
  • MSocSc Media, Culture & Creative Cities
  • MSocSc Sociology
• MPhil / PhD Sociology

Courses

The Department of Sociology offers a range of courses, including:

• Quantitative Research Methods (SOCI7010-2A)
  • Offer semester: 2nd semester
  • Lecture time: Monday, 15:00-16:50
  • Lecture venue: CPD-2.58
  • Credits awarded: 6

Course Description

This course provides an overview of quantitative research methods in the social sciences, covering both fundamental theories and practical techniques. It includes hands-on training to conduct an original research project, including questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the concepts and process of quantitative research methods used in the social sciences via oral and written channels.
2. Formulate research questions and relevant hypotheses.
3. Identify and utilise proper methods to collect and analyse quantitative data.
4. Write a research paper/report with analysis results and implications.
5. Evaluate prior studies and relevant policy/practice in a constructive manner through discussions, presentations, and report writing.
6. Demonstrate research ethics appropriately.

Assessment

• Class participation and contribution: 20%
• Questionnaire survey project: 30%
• Final Project: 50%

Required Reading

• Bryman, Alan. 2016. Social Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Recommended Reading

• Babbie, Earl R. 2021. The Practice of Social Research. 15th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage.
• Balnaves, Mark and Peter Caputi. 2001. Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods : An Investigative Approach. London: SAGE.
• Chambliss, Daniel F. and Russell K. Schutt. 2018. Making Sense of the Social World : Methods of Investigation. 6th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
• Neuman, W. Lawrence. 2014. Social Research Methods : Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 7th ed. Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited.
• Straits, Bruce C. and Royce Singleton. 2018. Social Research : Approaches and Fundamentals. International sixth. New York: Oxford University Press

Research

The Department of Sociology is involved in various research projects and clusters, including the Centre for Criminology and the Global Society and Sustainability Lab.

People

The Department of Sociology has a team of academic staff, including Prof Satoshi Araki, Assistant Professor and course co-ordinator for Quantitative Research Methods.