Discipline: Sociology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Sociology 50


COURSE DESCRIPTION
50 Introduction to Social Research Methods Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
This course is designed to introduce the student of social sciences to the nature of scientific inquiry and to the basic principles and procedures applied to the conduct of research in the social sciences. The course will be organized around the generally accepted sequential steps in the research process; from the inception of a research idea to the research design for inquiry, to the gathering and analysis of data, to the final report of the findings. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
This course is designed to introduce the student of social sciences to the nature of scientific inquiry and to the basic principles and procedures applied to the conduct of research in the social sciences.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the varied research designs, their application, and their advantages and disadvantages
  1. Breadth of Knowledge - Understand the basic content and modes of inquiry of the major knowledge fields
2. Demonstrate the ability to seek, evaluate, and use information obtained from diverse sources, e.g., traditional library, digital media, printed media, audio visual sources, etc., in the conduct of social research.
  1. Critical Thinking - Consider and evaluate rival hypotheses
  2. Critical Thinking - Recognize and assess evidence from a variety of sources
  3. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
3. Demonstrate the ability to read and write in a manner to comprehend what was read and to transfer information in a written format to reflect a high quality of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  1. Communication Skills - Write with precision and clarity to express complex thought
  2. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
4. Demonstrate the knowledge that is basic and instrumental to the understanding of social research principles and procedures, and the ability to properly conduct a basic research project.
  1. Breadth of Knowledge - Understand the basic content and modes of inquiry of the major knowledge fields
  2. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results
5. Demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of the implications that properly conducted research has for the global community.
  1. Breadth of Knowledge - Understand the basic content and modes of inquiry of the major knowledge fields
  2. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1.     Selecting a Topic for Research

2.     Conducting the Literature Review 
         A. Using a library, digital media, internet

3.     Using the APA or ASA format in writing research
    papers

4.     Developing a working hypothesis or research question

5.     Selecting a research design
        A.     Natural Observation
        B. Field and Panel Studies
        C.      Survey Designs
        D.     Quasi-Experimental Designs
        E.     Experimental Designs

6.     Advantages and disadvantages of research designs

7.     Issues of Internal Validity in Research Designs

8.     Qualitative and Quantitative designs

9.    Collecting Data
       A.  Building a data collection instrument 
       B. Constructing methods of recording behavior 
       C.  Sampling and Sampling frames
       D.Interviewing and Data Gathering techniques 
       E.Participant and Non-particpant Observations
       F.  Non-obtrusive Observations and Measures

10. Data Analysis
         A.  Analyzing and Displaying Data
         B.  Basic statistical Concepts and Procedures
         C.. Displaying Data with Graphs, Charts. Tables

11.  Reporting the Findings
         A.  Techniques of Research Report-writing
         B.  Construction of the Research Paper
 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

Lecture and Discussion in order to facilitate the transmission of knowledge and understanding of the course content.

Reading assignments in order to facilitate practice and experience in the research endeavor.

Written assignments in order to demonstrate the acquisition of the basic skills requisite for the conduct of social science research.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

Students will be regularly examined in writing in class

Students will be graded on the completion and quality of homework assignments.

Students will be evaluated as to their participation in class.

Students will be graded on the completion and quality of a final and comprehensive research paper.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments
Weekly readings from the required texbooks.
Required Writing Assignments
One or more short written essays.
Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
Weekly internet and other media readings.
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Babbie, Earl (2001). THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (9th/e). Belmont Wadsworth.
  • Clark R & Adler E (2008). How It's Done: An Introduction to Social Research (3rd/e). Wadsworth Publishers.
  • Babbie E (2008). The Basics of Social Research (4th/e). Wadsworth Publishers.
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