“The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.” — Pierre Bourdieu
How we know what we know matters. What is good empirical social science research? Can we recognize quality when we see it? What does it take to produce quality research? Informed citizens who can both understand and produce empirical research are at an advantage in today’s society both for career and life. Step by step, you will learn how to do social science research, from coming up with a sociological research question and designing the study to collecting/analyzing data and presenting your findings. You will recognize the features and contributions of different methodologies—questionnaires, interviews, observation, content analyses—and learn how to conduct different styles of analysis, both quantitative and qualitative. In this skill-focused course—a clear resume-builder!—you conduct your own project on a sociological topic of your choosing and, in the process, strengthen your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills in sociology.
Topics Included:
• What Is Social Research?
• Developing Ideas for Research
• Library Research: Strategies and Organization
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Research Design
• Research Ethics
• Conceptualization and Measurement
• Sampling Strategies
• Survey Research
• In-depth Interviews and Focus Groups
• Field Research
• Content Analysis
• Analyzing Existing Data
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Sharing Research Findings
• Research Poster Presentations