Assessment Brief
Program : Bachelor of Applied Social Science
Subject : Understanding Societies: An Introduction to Social Analysis
Subject code : SOC202A
Name of assessment
Assessment 2: Essay
Length : 1500 words
This assessment addresses the following subject learning outcomes:
A, C, D, E.
Assessment brief Summary:
The importance of social research and its contributions to knowledge and society.
Social research refers to the systematic and scientific study of human society and social relationships. It is a crucial tool for understanding the complexities of human behavior and the underlying factors that shape social phenomena.
There are many ways in which social research can contribute to knowledge and society. Some of the key contributions include:
Providing insight into social issues: Social research can shed light on a wide range of social issues, such as poverty, inequality, crime, and discrimination. By understanding the underlying causes and consequences of these issues, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective interventions and policies to address them.
Improving policy and practice: Social research can inform policy and practice by providing evidence-based recommendations and solutions to real-world problems. For example, research on the effectiveness of different interventions or programs can help policymakers and practitioners choose the most effective strategies for addressing social issues.
Promoting social change: Social research can be a powerful tool for promoting social change by highlighting issues of social justice and inequality. By bringing these issues to the forefront, social research can mobilize public opinion and drive efforts to address them.
Enhancing understanding of social dynamics: Social research can help us understand the ways in which social relationships and interactions shape our lives and societies. By studying the patterns and trends of social behavior, we can gain a deeper understanding of how societies function and how they change over time.
The importance of social research lies in its ability to provide a better understanding of the social world and its contributions to knowledge and society. By advancing our understanding of social phenomena, social research can help us address social issues, improve policy and practice, and promote social change.
Total marks : 100
Weighting : 30%
Assessment Description:
For this assessment, you are required to write an essay on the importance of social research. In your essay, ensure that you address the following questions:
1) What is “social research” and how is it different to common-sense knowledge?
2) Explain why social research is important. In other words, what are its contributions to society?
3) Use examples of contemporary social research / studies showing how these studies have made the contributions you have discussed.
