This free conference presents current issues and contemporary research from Sociology staff, for AS and A2 Level Sociology students in schools and Further Education colleges. Attendees following the WJEC or the AQA curriculum will have the opportunity to engage with staff about issues raised in doing real life research in today’s world, on intersecting questions of social mobility, changing beliefs, and wellbeing. Talks will focus on practical issues in research design, changes in religious belief in Northern Ireland, and theoretical approaches to crime and deviance. There will also be a brief introduction to studying Sociology at Queens. 

For enquiries, contact academic lead: Professor Lisa Smyth at l.smyth@qub.ac.uk

Please note, this event is for AS and A Level students in schools and Further Education colleges. 

Agenda

WELCOME

Prof Daniel Muijs, Head of School

USING MIXED METHODS: HOW AND WHY

Dr Cate McNamee
This talk will demonstrate the value of mixed methods through discussion of a selection of recent research projects. The talk will include methodological strategies relied on for investigating patterns of wellbeing amongst disabled young people in Northern Ireland.

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL MOBILITY

Initial Teacher Education Social Science team

BELIEFS IN SOCIETY

Professor Gladys Ganiel
Focusing on Beliefs in Society, this talk explores sociological explanations of the relationship between social change and and religious beliefs, drawing on insights from current research in Northern Ireland.

STUDYING SOCIOLOGY AT QUEEN’S

Professor Lisa Smyth

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO CRIME

Dr Jonathan Heaney
Key aspects of Unit 3 (power and control) of the syllabus concerning crime and deviance are addressed in this talk. Definitions and crime and deviance (as social constructs) are a particular focus of attention, as well as various theoretical approaches to crime and, crucially, their evaluation.