Chabot College
Fall 2011
Course Outline for Sociology 5
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS
Catalog Description:
5- Introduction to Social Research Methods
3 units
Introduction to the primary research methods used by social scientists with an emphasis on the research
methodologies of sociology. 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. Major sociological research studies will be critiqued. Strongly
Recommended: Sociology 1. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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explain the importance of ethical principles in all aspects of the research process;
discuss the relationship between theory and research;
conduct a literature search using electronic and print sources;
develop a researchable question;
distinguish between a qualitative research study and a quantitative research study;
operationalize research variables;
demonstrate statistical correlation;
differentiate probability and nonprobability sampling;
interpret and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data;
identify and explain the primary content areas of a scientific research report;
use a computerized statistical package (such as SPSS) to analyze data.
Course Content:
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The logic of science
Theory, sociological paradigms and research
The ethics and politics of social research
Elements of research including variables, hypotheses, relationships
The researchable question
Sampling
Measurement
Cross-sectional, Longitudinal and Case Study
Experimental Research
Questionnaires and Structured Interviews
Qualitative Interviewing
Observational Techniques
Use of available data
Content Analysis
Applied Social Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis
Use and abuse of social research
Social research in Sociology and related fields including Social Work, Urban Planning,
Criminology, Marital studies, Gerontology, Ethnic Studies
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 5, Page 2
Fall 2010
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture- discussion
Audio- visual aids
Class presentations
Small group activities
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Analyze a research article from a sociological journal: identifying the research variables,
hypotheses, theoretical underpinning, type of research design, and discuss the study
results
b. Write a testable research question including a brief literature search
c. Write a short open-ended interview questionnaire
d. Critique news paper articles on current research findings
e. 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
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Examinations and quizzes
b. Research papers
c. Final examination
d. Small group work
e. Computer based data analysis exercises
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Basics of Social Research, Earl Babbie, Wadsworth., 2011, 5th edition.
Analyzing Social Settings: A Guide to Qualitative Observation and Analysis, John Lofland,
et al. Thomson Publishers, 2006.
An Invitation to Social Research, Emily Stier Alder &Roger Clark, Wadsworth, 2011, 4th edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
SOCI 5