Dr. Ada Haynes
Associate Professor of Sociology
Office: Daniel Hall, Room 201
Phone: 372-3815

SOC 2900. Introduction to Social Research

Course Description:

This is the study of methods of sociological research, including considerations of research design, strategies, techniques and procedures. There are two components to this course: (1) theoretical and (2) applied. Both parts will be given equal emphasis. The primary objective of the course is for students to learn the methods of sociological research and to then apply them to some social issue. Students will also develop skills which will help them critique other people’s research.

Course Requirements:

Class attendance and participation is mandatory. Tardiness is considered an absence. Material for the exams will come from both lecture and text. Make-up exams will only be given at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor reserves the right to administer a different type of test when a make-up test is given. It is necessary that each student participate to the fullest extent in all classroom activities, assignments and tests. The computation of the final grade may take into account class participation and attendance and the final grade may be adjusted accordingly. For each absence students are expected to turn in a typed paper on the topic covered in class that day.

1. Text: Neuman, W. L. (1997). Social Research Methods. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

2. Other assigned readings and/or video which will be placed on reserve in the library.

Evaluation Procedure:

A grade for the course will be given upon satisfactory completion of course requirements (see below). The semester grade for this class will be based approximately on the following:

3 Exams (20% each)

1 Literature Review 10%

1 Research Problem Statement 10%

2 Research Projects and Reports (10% each)

Grading Scale

A = 90 -100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = BELOW 60

Tentative Course Outline

August 18- September 17 Introduction

Research Methods (Ch. 1)

Research Sequence (Ch. 2)

Computer Center

Theory and Research (Ch. 3)

Library

Research Report (Appendix C)

Perspectives (Ch. 4)

Ethics (Ch. 18, Appendix A)

September 19 Exam 1

September 22-October 6 Literature Review (Ch. 5)

Quantitative & Qualitative Methods (Ch. 6, 14)

Measurement (Ch. 7, & 8)

Sampling (Ch. 10)

October 8 Exam 2

October 10-December 5 Survey Research (Ch. 11) Nonreactive (Ch. 12)

Experiments (Ch. 9)

Field Research (Ch. 15)

Comparative/Historical (Ch. 16)

Measurement (Ch. 13, 17)

December 11 Final Exam

(3:30-5:30)

Tentative Due Dates

September 22 Literature Review

October 6 Research Proposal Due

October 22 First Project Due

November 10 Second Project Due

Disabilites

I recommend that any student with a recognized disability contact the Office of Disability Services during the FIRST week of the semester. The office is located in Room 112 of the University Center (Telephone 372-6119).