12 episodes

This course focuses on two interlinked issues: the philosophical questions that arise in social science research, and research methods. Social inquiry attempts to take a scientific approach to explaining the complexity of everyday experiences, but in practice there are many pitfalls. The course reviews common issues that arise, including language, culture, survey methods and the problems of distinguishing between facts and values, understanding and explanation, theory and observation, and induction and deduction. The central tenet is that philosophical thinking and practical research go hand in hand. This material is taken from The Open University Course D820 The Challenge of the Social Sciences.

Challenge of the Social Sciences - Audio The Open University

    • Education

This course focuses on two interlinked issues: the philosophical questions that arise in social science research, and research methods. Social inquiry attempts to take a scientific approach to explaining the complexity of everyday experiences, but in practice there are many pitfalls. The course reviews common issues that arise, including language, culture, survey methods and the problems of distinguishing between facts and values, understanding and explanation, theory and observation, and induction and deduction. The central tenet is that philosophical thinking and practical research go hand in hand. This material is taken from The Open University Course D820 The Challenge of the Social Sciences.

    A discussion of housing issues

    A discussion of housing issues

    Professor Chris Hamnett discusses his study of housing issues and its relevance to social scientists.

    • 10 min
    Transcript -- A discussion of housing issues

    Transcript -- A discussion of housing issues

    Professor Chris Hamnett discusses his study of housing issues and its relevance to social scientists.

    How policy affects housing issues

    How policy affects housing issues

    Lila Baker from Shelter discusses the impact of policymaking on housing issues.

    • 18 min
    Transcript -- How policy affects housing issues

    Transcript -- How policy affects housing issues

    Lila Baker from Shelter discusses the impact of policymaking on housing issues.

    The experiences of homeless women

    The experiences of homeless women

    Annabel Thomas on the experiences of homeless women in Brighton.

    • 10 min
    Transcript -- The experiences of homeless women

    Transcript -- The experiences of homeless women

    Annabel Thomas on the experiences of homeless women in Brighton.

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