From Methods to Practice: A Critical Note on the Teaching of Research Practice to Undergraduates

Abstract

Teaching sociological practice in Britain in the 1960's was carried out in `methods' courses which focused on large scale survey techniques. Although in subsequent years courses have been broadened, there is still a clear conflict between the model of research contained in the syllabuses, texts and examination papers for these courses and sociological work as a whole. It is suggested that a reformulation of such courses to cover all aspects of research practice and the involvement of students in designing and carrying out their own research work would move it into the centre of sociology teaching.