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

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Sociology 49


COURSE DESCRIPTION
49 Intro Research Methodology Units: 5.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
This introductory course to research methodology is organized around three principles: understanding the theoretical principles of scientific research, seeing how those principles were reflected in the established techniques for doing research, and being prepared to make appropriate compromises whenever field conditions do not permit the routine application of established techniques. Discussion of the types of methodology, computer technology, ethics and constraints of entering data into computer programs are emphasized. The structure of the course is designed to underscore the understanding of the appropriateness and the range of research methodology within the Social Sciences. 72 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Course includes quantitative, qualitative, measurement, data gathering techniques, sampling methods, data analysis and social research problems.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
View social research as a scientific and systematic observation, Analyze observations and data objectively, Understand the clarification of the unit of analysis, Know the value of models for measurement and interpretation, Describe aspects of explanatory or causal analysis, Conceptualize and operational definition of variables, Utilize the elementary analysis, evaluation, and quantification of data, Select and apply the proper uses of social research methodology.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

Lecture discussions, and assignments will offer the approximate content below:

1. Introduction, overview, and requirements,
2. Acquaintance with the fundamental logic of the elementary techniques,
3. Uses of social research, terminology, and application,
4. Selection of appropriate methods of data gathering and their uses,
5. The ethics, politics and real world constraints of social research,
6. Selection of the Research Design
7. Applying the appropriate model of analyses,
8. Experimental design and analyzing relationships,
9. Experiencing models of data gathering and recognizing value in each,
10. Quantifying and evaluating data.

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour of lecture.

 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

1. Class lecture, discussion and demonstration
2. Text and additional readings,
3. Technology: video, films, slides, where appropriate,
4. Individual and group activities of applied understanding,
5. Present and guide activities to complete elementary research designs,
6. Demonstrate procedures for applying evaluative and quantifying analyses,
7. Require reporting and oral presentations of projects.


 
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:

1. Completion of class assignments, activities, and participate in class discussions.
2. Understanding of variety of research method and applications.
3. Completion of a Research Analysis of Project.
4. Written course project (paper).
5. Oral presentation of project.


ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
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. THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH. 9 ed. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2001.
  • Babbie, Earl, and Fred Halley. ADVENTURES IN SOCIAL RESEARCH: DATA ANALYSIS USING SPSS FOR WINDOWS. Newbury Park: Forge Press, 0.
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