Course Syllabus (doc):

Syllabus

Assignments (doc):

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Assignment 3

Assignment 4

Assignment 5

Grade Descriptions

Additional Readings (pdf):

Research Design

Conceptualization, Operationalization, & Measurement

Qualitative Field Research

In-Depth Interviewing

Experimental Research

Survey Research

Indexes & Scales

Sociology 357 Honors

Methods of Sociological Inquiry

Prof. Ruth N. López Turley

Semester ___

***WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION***

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students to conduct their first empirical social science research study. It provides practical, step-by-step guidance through the process of formulating a research question, writing a literature review, selecting an appropriate method of analysis, interpreting the results, and writing a research report. Basic statistics and statistical software (Stata) will be introduced, but a background in research methods or statistics is not required.

Although research methods are usually taught in sequence, beginning with the research design and ending with instructions for how to write a research report, this course provides a complete overview of the research process during the first six weeks of the semester so that you can prepare a research proposal early enough to get feedback and revise your research plans accordingly. The remaining part of the semester develops the research process in greater detail.

Required Text

The following book is available at the University Bookstore and the Underground Textbook Exchange. It is also available at the College Library Reserve Collection (1st floor) for a 3-hr loan period. Click here to see if it is currently checked out.

Orcher, Lawrence T. 2005. Conducting Research: Social and Behavioral Science Methods. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.