SOC 279W - Introduction to Social/Behavioral Science Research

1. Formulate simple research questions and select an appropriate design for research.
   1. Apply social scientific theory to the development of a research question and the definition of concepts.
   2. Formulate a researchable hypothesis either deduced from theory or induced from empirical observations.
   3. Differentiate between variables and constants.
   4. Explain the criteria of causality (time order, association and control) and distinguish \between independent and dependent variables.
   5. Select an appropriate, systematic, empirical method (such as survey, experiment, ethnography or existing data) to test the hypothesis.
   6. Operationalize - finding valid and reliable indicators for each concept in the hypothesis (or hypotheses) to be tested.
   7. Distinguish between applied research and basic research.
   8. Demonstrate an appreciation for the ethical issues involved in social scientific research.
   9. Distinguish among levels of measurement of variables such as nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio and appreciate the significance for drawing conclusions from the analysis of data.
2. Conduct a basic review of the literature related to the question being studied.
   1. Use the library to find information on a topic.
   2. Demonstrate an appreciation for the utility of electronic data bases and the Internet.
   3. Demonstrate an awareness of the guides, indexes and information resources available in a modern library.
3. Collect data effectively which relate to the issue being studied.
   1. Operationalize concepts selecting valid and reliable indicators whether using quantitative or qualitative methods.
      1. Write questions for surveys at various levels of measurement which serve as valid and reliable indicators.
      2. Use ethnographic methods to understand the problems and opportunities of participant observation as well as efficient handling of qualitative data.
      3. If existing data are used, the student will gain an appreciation of the availability of resources, such as the Census, and the particular problems of secondary analysis of data.
   2. Gather data effectively, systematically and ethically.
4. Analyze the data collected and draw useful conclusions.
   1. Use the basic techniques of data analysis appropriate to the method selected. For example, in survey analysis, the student will able to use simple percentage tables and correlations to discover associations and draw conclusions.
   2. Demonstrate an appreciation for the strengths and limitations of empirical data.
   3. Relate the findings to theory or, in applied research, to the possible solutions of the problem being studied.
   4. Discuss the findings orally in an effective manner.
5. Use writing tasks to promote learning.
   1. Practice critical writing skills within the subject.
   2. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter.