This module aims to teach conducting and evaluating social science research in alignment with the XJTLU “Education + AI" Action Plan. It provides a general overview of how social scientists collect information about social phenomena, with a special emphasis on how to yield trustworthy, useful information for our theoretical understanding of social life. Students will have the opportunity to practice a range of research methods across different AI application scenarios. They will learn how to identify and evaluate how these methods are used in future readings of academic, professional, and industrial research output. In addition, the module will emphasize the importance of the ethical implications of conducting social research.
A. Describe the basic steps of research design in the social sciences. B. Identify the main ethical and social implications of conducting social research with AI tools in contemporary China. C. Demonstrate understanding of the ways in which different theoretical frameworks inform research designs and methodologies. D. Apply a comprehensive understanding of methodologies in order to design and implement an efficient research tool and data collection protocols. E. Use AI-powered research software to conduct data analysis and AI tools to complete learning activities F. Produce a coherent and feasible research protocol that includes a clear justification and problematization of an issue, a research question, a solid hypothesis, a theoretical framework, research tools for data collection, and interpretation.
1. Pre-class: AI-powered pre-learning. Students will: (1) Complete the required reading and quizzes on LMO. (2) Apply AI to: (a) Understand concepts; (b) Analyze readings; (c) Generate examples; (d) Improve research design 2. In-class: Dialogic workshop. The module leader will: (1) Check learning gaps (2) Mini lectures/instructions (3) Case-based discussions (4) In-class exercises (5) Student research workshops (6) Data analysis workshops 3. Post-class: AI-integrated, process-based assessments. Students will: (1) Reflect, refine, revise, and practice project work.