Course Outline for Sociology 5
Introduction to Social Research Methods

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 12/21/2016
Catalog Description:

SOCI 5 - Introduction to Social Research Methods

3.00 Units

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of empirical research and the ways in which sociologists gather, evaluate, and critique social data. This course employs an integrative approach which includes an understanding of theory, sociological paradigms and scientific logic as these apply to the methodologies used in conducting empirical research. Focus will be on how social research is designed, conducted and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Includes attention to the nature of theory, hypotheses, variables, and ethics of research. Students in this course will apply both qualitative and quantitative analytic tools including logic and research design, such as survey, observational, experimental, case study, and comparative historical research.
Prerequisite: SOCI 1.
2208.00 - Sociology
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Explain the importance of ethical principles in all aspects of the research process;
  2. explain the basic principles of the scientific method;
  3. discuss the relationship between sociological theory and research;
  4. critically evaluate research findings in terms of quality, credibility, and applicability;
  5. conceptualize and operationalize social variables in formulating testable hypotheses;
  6. examine various research designs, the role of quantitative techniques, and data reduction in sociological analyses;
  7. differentiate probability and non-probability sampling;
  8. develop a researchable question;
  9. conduct a literature review;
  10. distinguish between a qualitative research study and a quantitative research study;
  11. identify and review qualitative approaches in current use;
  12. interpret and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data;
  13. identify and explain the primary content areas of a scientific research report;
  14. describe how social research can be used to make informed decisions;
  15. demonstrate familiarity with a social science statistical software for conducting research and analyzing data.
Course Content:
  1. The logic of science
  2. Scientific inquiry in the social sciences
    1.  basic principles of the scientific method
  3. Elements of research 
    1. variables, 
    2. hypotheses 
    3. relationships
    4. the researchable question
    5. Research design
      1. quantitative and qualitative data analysis
        1. qualitative vs quantitative research
        2. quantitative approaches
        3. qualitative appoaches
        4. evaluate quantitative and qualitative data
        5. social science statistical software for data analysis
      2. use of available data
        1. sampling
          1. probability and non-probability sampling
      3. measurement
        1. conceptuatlize and operationalize social variables in formulating the hypothesses
        2. cross-sectional, longitudinal and case study
        3. questionnaires and structured interviews
        4. qualitative interviewing
      4. content analysis
      5. applied social eesearch
        1. informed decisions
      6. indexing and scale construction
      7. experimental research
      8. observational techniques
        1. survey research 
        2. field research
        3. unobtrusive research
        4. evaluation research
    6. theory, sociological paradigms and research
      1. relationship between sociological theory and research
  4. The ethics and politics of social research
    1. ethical principles in all aspects of the research process
  5. Use and abuse of social research
  6. Social research in Sociology and related fields 
    1. Social Work
    2. Urban Planning
    3. Criminology
    4. Marital studies
    5. Gerontology
    6. Ethnic Studies
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Audio- visual aids
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Presentation
  4. Group Activities
  5. Distance Education
  6. Research project
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Analyze a research article from a sociological journal: identifying the research variables, hypotheses, theoretical underpinning, type of research design, and discuss the study results
  2. Write a testable research question including a brief literature search
  3. Write a short open-ended interview questionnaire
  4. Critique news paper articles on current research findings
  5. Based on empirical research findings, in small groups design and conduct an observational exercise which includes the research question, variables, prediction, data collection and analysis
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Papers
  4. Research Projects
  5. Final Examination
  6. Group Projects
  7. Computer-based data analysis exercises
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Navigate the U.S. Census and interpret census data.
  2. Explain and propose a relationship between two variables.
  3. Identify the key components of an empirical study.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Earl Babbie (2021). The Basics of Social Research (15th). Wadsworth.
  2. Emily Stier Alder & Roger Clark (2015). An Invitation to Social Research (5th). Wadsworth.
  3. Anne Laurel Marenco (2017). Sociology 102: Principles of Sociological Inquiry College of the Canyons.
  4. Amy Blackstone (2012). Sociological Inquiry Principles: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. Saylor Foundation.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of sociological research, including the ways in which sociologists gather, evaluate, and critique social data. Focus will be on how social research is designed, conducted, and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, students will learn to employ theory, scientific logic, and ethics in conducting research.
Prerequisite: SOCI 1.
Discipline:
Sociology*