lements of Sociological Research

Elements of Sociological Research

Sociology 312 - Spring 2002

Curtis R. Blakely, Ed.S.

Office: Faner 3429 Office Hours: M/W 9:45 - 11:15 Phone 453-2494 or by appointment

Meeting Place/Times:	Comm. 1020 --M/W 8 to 9:40 am
Required Textbook:	Therese L. Baker's Doing Social Research (3rd ed.)
Course Description:	The student is introduced to a variety of research methods in the social sciences including use of the library, techniques of observation, and elementary steps in quantitative/qualitative measurements and analyses.
Course Objectives:	To introduce students to a variety of quantitative and qualitative social research methods and to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each. To facilitate student exploration into the connection between theory and research. To provide hands-on experience in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data. To familiarize students with ethical concerns associated with scientific research.
Grading:	This course will be graded on a standard one hundred-point scale. Therefore, an " A " will be awarded to those receiving 90-100 points, a "B" will be awarded to those receiving 80-89 points, a "C" will be awarded to those receiving 70-79 points, a "D" will be given to those receiving 60-69 points, and an "F" will be given to those receiving 59 points or below.

There will be two exams, a midterm and a final. Exam one will count for 25% of your final course grade. Exam two will count for 30% of your final course grade. These exams will be fill in the blank, matching and essay. They will be specifically designed to ensure that each student has a firm grasp on methodology and key terms and concepts. A review session will proceed each exam. Total points possible on exams -55.

There will be a group project that will count for 20% of your final course grade. This project will include developing a research topic and question, conducting a literature review. forming a hypothesis statement for testing, collecting and analyzing the data, presenting this information in paper format (paper is to be no less than 13 pages in length -not counting the reference section), and orally presenting findings during class session. The group oral presentation will be approximately 12 minutes in length. Total points possible on group project -20.

There will also be 5 homework/quizzes, each worth 5 points. Total points possible on homework/quizzes -25.

Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken during each class session. Any student having more than 3 unexcused absences will have his/her final course grade lowered one letter grade. Therefore, an " A " would become a "B"; a "B" would become a "C"; and so on. If you must miss class, either email or phone so that I will be aware of the situation.

Tentative Schedule: Week 1: Jan 14 & 16 - Chapter one (Varieties of social research)

Week 2: Jan 23 - Chapter two (Science and theory in social research) and Chapter 14 (The ethics of social research)

Week 3: Jan 28 & 30 - Review/summation of Chapts. 1, 2 & 14; Quiz #1 covering chapters 1, 2 & 14

Week 4: Feb 4 & 6 - Chapter three (Defining, designing, and developing a research project)

Week 5: Feb 11 & 13 - Chapter four (Operationalization and measurement)

Week 6: Feb 18 & 20 - Review and Summation of Chapts. three and four; Chapter five (Sampling); Assignment # 1

Week 7: Feb 25 & 27 - Assignment #1 due; Chapter 6 (Experimental research)

Week 8: March 4 & 6 - Chapts. 7 & 8 (Survey research, interviewing techniques and focus groups; Qualitative research); Quiz #2

Week 9: March 11 & 13 - Spring Break

Week 10: March 18 & 20 - Chapter 9 (Methods of analyzing available data); Exam # 1; Assignment # 2

Week 11: March 25 & 27 - Test and Assignment returned and reviewed -Miscellaneous information and preparation for second portion of semester -including precursory review of upcoming chapters and assignments; Group work begins.

Week 12: April 1 & 3 - Chapter 10 (Evaluation research, case studies, and other forms of applied research)

Week 13: April 8 & 10 - Chapter 11 (Ways of analyzing qualitative and quantitative data)

Week 14: April 15 & 17 - Assignment #3; Review/summation of chapts. ten and eleven; Chapter thirteen (elementary statistics for social research)

Week 15: Apri1 22 & 24 - Chapter 15 (presenting the research results)

Week 16: Apri129 & May 1- Group Projects & Presentations

Week 17: May 6 & 8 - Review and Finals