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  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Research Methods
  • C-ID Number
    120
  • Units
    3.0
  • Date of Last Revision
    10/12/2017 04:43:57 PM PDT

General Description

Students examine fundamental elements of empirical research and the ways in which sociologists gather, evaluate and critique social data. Includes attention to the nature of theory, hypotheses, variables, and ethics of research. Application of qualitative and quantitative analytic tools including logic and research design, such as survey, observational, experimental, case study, and comparative historical research. Computer applications recommended.

Prerequisites

SOCI 110

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

SOCI 125 or equivalent

Content

  1. Scientific inquiry in the social sciences
  2. Paradigms, theory and social research
  3. The ethics and politics of social research
  4. Research design
  5. Conceptualizing and operationalizing measurement
  6. Indexing and scale construction
  7. Sampling
  8. Observation Modes: Survey research, field research, unobtrusive research, evaluation research
  9. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of data, including current statistical software
  10.  Reading and writing social research

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method;
  2. Understand the relationship between social theory and research;
  3. Critically evaluate research findings in terms of quality, credibility, and applicability;
  4. Conceptualize and operationalize social variables in formulating testable hypotheses;
  5. Examine various research designs, the role of quantitative techniques, and data reduction in sociological analyses;
  6. Identify and review qualitative approaches in current use;
  7. Describe how social research can be used to make informed decisions.    
  8. Demonstrate familiarity with a social science statistical software for conducting research

Evaluation Methods

In-class quizzes and exams, paper assignments, and class participation
Quantitative analysis using statistical software

Textbooks

Babbie, The Practice of Social Research
Denzin, The Research Act: A Theoretical Introduction to Sociological Methods
Neuman, Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Somekh and Lewin, Research Methods in the Social Sciences
Marsden, Sociological Methodology
Schutt, Investigating the Social World: The Process & Practice of Research

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
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  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
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  • Resubmission Deadline
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  • Notes

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  • Keywords

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