Social Research
Specific areas within Social Research include:
Roles
With social research, in contrast to market research, the focus is generally academic with the long term goal being that of benefit to the community. Some positions require that applicants have an honours degree in psychology; others require a minimum of an undergraduate
degree in psychology or a relevant field. Specific roles include:
- Recruiting research participants and liaising with these participants in a range of settings including hospitals, clinics etc.
- Applying a variety of research techniques to gather relevant information including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews
- Using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies to design and manage a research project
- Assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of research projects within a specific team/organisation
- Presenting research findings both verbally and in appropriate written formats
Skills
- Ability to gather and synthesise relevant data
- Experience carrying out both qualitative and quantitative research
- Ability to write clearly and effectively in a range of styles including progress reports, published documents and presentations
- Effective time management and project management skills including the ability to summarise, document and reflect on progress
- Ability to show initiative, work independently and be self-reliant
- Good critical thinking and reasoning skills including the ability to develop theoretical concepts
- Ability to develop and maintain co-operative networks and working relationships
- High level computer skills including proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite; PowerPoint, Word, Excel
Possible Qualifications/Experience Required
- Undergraduate qualifications in Marketing, Psychology, HR, Business or Economics
- Experience in using SPSS (Statistical packaging for the Social Sciences)
Possible Employers
There are a wide range of employers in this area both in the public and private sector.
Social Research assistants are often required to work on projects within university and hospital settings as well as other organisations including local government, not-for-profits and private companies. Possible employers might include:
Social Research
Roles
With social research, in contrast to market research, the focus is generally academic with the long term goal being that of benefit to the community. Some positions require that applicants have an honours degree in psychology; others require a minimum of an undergraduate
degree in psychology or a relevant field. Specific roles include:
- Recruiting research participants and liaising with these participants in a range of settings including hospitals, clinics etc.
- Applying a variety of research techniques to gather relevant information including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews
- Using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies to design and manage a research project
- Assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of research projects within a specific team/organisation
- Presenting research findings both verbally and in appropriate written formats
Skills
- Ability to gather and synthesise relevant data
- Experience carrying out both qualitative and quantitative research
- Ability to write clearly and effectively in a range of styles including progress reports, published documents and presentations
- Effective time management and project management skills including the ability to summarise, document and reflect on progress
- Ability to show initiative, work independently and be self-reliant
- Good critical thinking and reasoning skills including the ability to develop theoretical concepts
- Ability to develop and maintain co-operative networks and working relationships
- High level computer skills including proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite; PowerPoint, Word, Excel
Possible Qualifications/Experience Required
- Undergraduate qualifications in Marketing, Psychology, HR, Business or Economics
- Experience in using SPSS (Statistical packaging for the Social Sciences)
Possible Employers
There are a wide range of employers in this area both in the public and private sector.
Social Research assistants are often required to work on projects within university and hospital settings as well as other organisations including local government, not-for-profits and private companies. Possible employers might include:
