20809254Research Methods for the Social Sciences
Course Information
Description
Students interested in economics, political science, psychology, and sociology are prepared to critically evaluate scholarly research; design a sound, ethically conducted study; collect data; analyze qualitative and quantitative data; evaluate findings, and improve scientific writing skills. Take as general elective or Social Science Data Analytics Certificate course.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the core concepts pertaining to empirical inquiry, including the need for empiricism, theories and hypotheses, and variables in research
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product, project and/or presentation
    Criteria
    Analyze steps in the empirical research process
    Identify how to read, interpret, and cite sources of research
    Critically evaluate the veracity of sources
    Summarize and apply the literature review process
    Identify the major phases of a research project
    Summarize purpose of specifying a research question
    Evaluate the characteristics of good theories and hypotheses
    Conceptualize and operationalize variables needed to answer research questions
    Analyze ethics in research using human subjects

  2. Choose various modes of observation and a quantitative and/or qualitative social science data collection method
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product, project and/or presentation
    Criteria
    Summarize, define, and compare research methods used in the social sciences including but not limited to survey research, interviewing, content analysis, experimental and quasi-experimental research, participant/direct observation, unobtrusive measures, evaluation research, focus groups, and case studies.
    Compare various research methods along with strengths and limitations of each method.
    Identify secondary sources of data and summarize its strengths and limitations in relation to primary data collection
    Summarize how to compile data
    Summarize how sampling works, the various sampling techniques, what can be learned from a sample, and the limitations of sampling.

  3. Evaluate validity and reliability of the measurements used in social science research
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product, project and/or presentation
    Criteria
    Analyze ways in which accurate measurements must be reliable and valid
    Evaluate different levels of measurement and their importance of measurement precision
    Outline the importance of operationalization in variable and measurement construction

  4. Design research methodology that addresses research questions or hypotheses
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product, project and/or presentation
    Criteria
    Evaluate existing research designs
    Choose appropriate research design to answer research question or address the hypotheses
    Summarize and define research design
    Create a research design utilizing course concepts

  5. Analyze data needed to answer research questions in the social sciences
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product, project and/or presentation
    Criteria
    Enter data into Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software available in the classroom for enrolled students
    Compare statistical methods for answering various types of research questions
    Analyze both descriptive and inferential statistics
    Interpret statistical outputs at an introductory level

  6. Write-up methods and results in discipline-appropriate style (e.g. APA, APSA, ASA)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Written product fulfills a clear purpose
    Written product reflects accurate analysis of the target audience
    Written product shows evidence of logical critical thinking
    Written product follows an effective organizational plan
    Written product follows prescribed format, meeting criteria for all components
    Written product exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage