Work

Embedding quantitative skills into the social science curriculum: case studies from Manchester

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Those aiming to respond to the recognised shortage in quantitative skills within the UK social sciences have increasingly focused on the content of undergraduate degree programmes. Problems occur when quantitative methods are generally confined to a dedicated module, detached from substantive topics. This model makes it hard for students to understand or engage with the contribution of quantitative research to their discipline and can perpetuate negative perceptions of quantitative training. We suggest a solution to this problem is ‘quantitative embedding’, in which quantitative evidence and methods are incorporated into substantive teaching in the social sciences. We illustrate quantitative embedding with case studies from an ESRC funded project based in The University of Manchester, where teaching partnerships have developed curriculum innovations in Sociology and Politics. The paper then discusses the challenges of disseminating quantitative embedding, highlighting the need to bridge separate communities of practice that can isolate quantitative specialists.

Source: International Journal of Social Research Methodology

DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2015.1062624

Authors: Jennifer Buckley, Mark Brown, Stephanie Thomson, Wendy Olsen, Jackie Carter

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Statistics Education and Methodologies

Subfield: Statistics and Probability

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council