METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
SOCIAL SCIENCE 470/570

 

COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2004

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Readings Assignments
and Grading		 Additional
Course Policies		 Course
Outline		 Additional
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Meeting Time: Mon. and Wed., 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Meeting Place: Kethley Hall 206

Instructor: Dr. Alan Barton
Office: 201A Kethley Hall
Telephone: 846-4097
E-mail: abarton@deltastate.edu
Webpage: http://ntweb.deltastate.edu/vp_academic/abarton/

Office Hours:  The professor holds regular office hours at the following times:

 

      Mondays 1:00–2:30 pm, Wednesdays 1:15–2:30 pm and 3:45–6:00 pm

 

If you cannot make one of these times, contact the professor to set up an appointment.


Course Overview:
 

The purpose of this course is to familiarize you with the logic of social science inquiry, strategies of research design, and a variety of research methods.  We will compare quantitative and qualitative approaches to social science research in terms of their epistemologies, their research design strategies, and the tools they offer for carrying out social science research.  You engage the course material through readings, lectures, class discussions and activities, quizzes and writing assignments.  In addition, you will collaborate with classmates to develop a research proposal, incorporating a logical design that addresses a specific research question.


Readings:

Neuman, W. Lawrence. 2004. Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston: Pearson Education/Allyn and Bacon.

 

Articles as assigned.

 

The textbook is available at the university bookstore.  Students should purchase this book, or otherwise make arrangements to access the course readings.
 

SSC 470 vs. SSC 570

 

Students can take this course for undergraduate (SSC 470) or graduate (SSC 570) credit.  Students registered for graduate credit must complete a 10-page research paper, not required of students registered for undergraduate credit.  In addition, students registered for graduate credit will take quizzes and a final exam that are more challenging and that have more questions than the undergraduate versions.

 

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Assignments and Grading:

 

There are a total of 100 points available for the semester.  Your final score is simply the sum of all points earned over the semester.  If you accumulate 90 or more points over the course of the semester, you will get an “A” in the course.  If you accumulate 80 to 89 points, you will get a “B,” for 70 to 79 points you will get a “C,” and for 60 to 69 points will get a “D.”  If you get less than 60 points, your final grade will be an “F.”  Note that you start with zero and earn points; you do not start with 100 and lose points.

 

If you comply with all course requirements and submit all of the assignments satisfactorily and on time, you can expect a “C” in this course.  To receive a higher grade, you must demonstrate a superior grasp of course material and an ability to apply the material in productive ways.  It is also helpful to show an interest in the course material and in learning, and an achievement-based orientation.

 

Assignments and Grading, SSC 470:

 

You must complete the following assignments:

 

(1)  Attendance and Class Participation (15 points)

      You are expected to attend class regularly and participate actively in class discussions.  You should come to each session having already read and thought about the assigned material, with questions and points to discuss.
 Click here for tips on taking effective notes.
Click here for tips on getting the most out of class sessions.
Click here for more tips on getting the most out of class sessions.

 

(2)  Quizzes (15 points)

      Four in-class quizzes will be given, designed to take 20-30 minutes to complete.  The quizzes will consist of short answer questions (e.g. true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, etc.).  The first quiz covers material presented since the beginning of the course, and subsequent quizzes cover material presented since the previous quiz.  The quizzes are worth 5 points each.  The lowest grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.

      Click here for suggestions on studying for quizzes.
 

(3)  Writing Assignments (10 points)

      Three in-class writing assignments will be given.  You will be given a topic and asked to write a 2-3 page essay on the topic during the class period.  Each essay is worth 5 points.  The lowest grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
 Click here for tips on writing papers for this course.

 

(4)  Research Proposal (15 points)

      You will pair up with a classmate to complete a project throughout the semester.  Each group will prepare a 12-page research proposal, due the last day of classes.  Both group members will receive the same grade on the proposal.
 Click here for information on the group project assignment.
Click here for groups and topics.
Click here for more information on preparing research proposals and examples of research proposals.
 

(5)  Presentation of Research Proposal (10 points)

      With your group partner, you will prepare and give a final presentation to the entire class on your project at the end of the semester.  The presentation is as a group, but each member will receive an individual grade on the final presentation.
Click here for a schedule of research proposal presentations.

 

(6)  Preparation of Research Proposal (10 points)

      Assignments pertaining to the final project are assigned throughout the semester.  You will be asked to hand in a research topic (1 point), an annotated bibliography (3 points), a concise research question (1 point), a summary of your methodological approach (3 points), and a critique of another group’s approach (2 points).
Click here for guidelines on the proposal preparation assignments.

 

(7)  Final Exam (15 points)

      A final exam is given at the regularly scheduled time.  The exam will include short answer questions (as in the quizzes) and essay questions.
 Click here for tips on taking essay tests.

 

(8)  Discretionary (10 points)

      The instructor will evaluate each student’s performance based on factors such as the motivation, interest, and improvement the student demonstrates.

  

Assignments and Grading, SSC 570:

 

You must complete the following assignments:

 

(1)  Attendance and Class Participation (10 points)

      You are expected to attend class regularly and participate actively in class discussions.  Bring questions and points to discuss on the readings to class.
 

(2)  Quizzes (15 points)

      Four in-class quizzes will be given, consisting of short answer questions (e.g. true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, etc.).  The first quiz covers material presented since the beginning of the course, and subsequent quizzes cover material presented since the previous quiz.  The quizzes are worth 5 points each; the lowest grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
 

(3)  Writing Assignments (10 points)

      Three in-class writing assignments will be given.  You will be given a topic and asked to write a 2-3 page essay on the topic during the class period.  Each essay is worth 5 points; the lowest grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
 

(4)  Research Proposal (15 points)

      You will pair up with a classmate to complete a project throughout the semester.  Each group will prepare a 12-page research proposal, due the last day of classes.  Both group members will receive the same grade on the proposal.
 

(5)  Presentation of Research Proposal (10 points)

      With your group partner, you will prepare and give a final presentation to the entire class on your project at the end of the semester.  The presentation is as a group, but each member will receive an individual grade on the final presentation.
Click here for a schedule of research proposal presentations.
 

(6)  Preparation of Research Proposal (10 points)

      Assignments pertaining to the final project are assigned throughout the semester, including a research topic, an annotated bibliography, a research question, a summary of your methodological approach, and a critique of another group’s approach.
 

(7)  Research Paper (10 points)

      You will research and prepare a 10-page analytical paper in which you critique the methodological approaches of four research articles.
 Click here for information on the graduate student research paper assignment.
 

(8)  Final Exam (10 points)

      A final exam is given at the regularly scheduled time.  The exam will include short answer questions (as in the quizzes) and essay questions.


(9)  Discretionary (10 points)

      The instructor will evaluate each student’s performance based on factors such as the motivation, interest, and improvement the student demonstrates.

 

Summary of Grading:

 

Assignment

SSC 470

SSC 570

Attendance/Class Participation

15

10

Quizzes

15

15

Writing Assignments

10

10

Research Proposal

15

15

Presentation on Proposal

10

10

In-Class Work

10

10

Final Exam

15

10

Research Paper

N/A

10

Discretionary

10

10

Total

100

100

 

Extra Credit Assignment

 

Steps in Field Research

 

Explanation of changes in the syllabus

 

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Additional Course Policies:

 
(1)  YOU are responsible for learning the course material and for your progress in the course

• You are expected to attend class regularly and complete all of the assignments.
• You are expected to know all material presented during class sessions, whether you attended the class or not.  If you miss a class session, you should check with another student to see what you missed.
• “I didn’t know” is NEVER a valid excuse.  If you don’t know something, it is your job to find out.

(2)  Missed assignments CANNOT be made up

• It is assumed that if you miss class or an assignment, you are making a choice that prioritizes other activities above the class.  For this reason, none of the assignments or coursework can be made up.
• Assignments are due at the time specified; no late assignments will be accepted.
• If you miss a quiz or writing assignment, you will receive a grade of zero for that assignment.  In the first instance, this will count as your lowest grade and will be dropped.  Subsequent instances will be scored as zero.
• If you must miss a presentation or other in-class activity, it is up to you to arrange to trade with another student before the event.  Please notify the instructor of such changes.

 

(3)  Illnesses and emergencies MUST be documented

• If you must miss class due to illness or another personal emergency, notify the instructor BEFORE the missed class period either by e-mail or telephone.
• If you cannot notify the instructor in advance, bring a note from a doctor or other professional to the next class meeting.
• Illnesses and emergencies pertain only to the student, not to the student’s family, friends or others.
• If you must miss class for an official university activity, you should make arrangements with the instructor BEFORE the missed class.  Appropriate documentation is required.
• Notified absences (i.e. you notify the instructor before the event) count as one-half absence.  Excused absences (i.e. you bring a note from a doctor or other professional) will not count against you for the first two; after that, each excused absence counts as one-half absence.
• You are responsible for all material presented in the class, even during an excused absence.  you should get class notes from another student for all class sessions you miss.
• It is in your interest to provide the instructor with written notification (e.g. note or e-mail) or documentation for any missed classes.  It is risky to simply tell the instructor and expect him to remember.
 

(4)  Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with medical problems or diagnosed disabilities.  Have Dr. Richard Houston at the Reily Health Center (846-4690) contact the course instructor to make arrangements.
 

(5)  Class discussion is an important element in this course
• The purpose of the discussion is to provide you with an opportunity to practice thinking skills in a safe environment.
• In discussions, you are encouraged to explore ideas presented in the readings and lectures, to think about and apply concepts, and to develop arguments and evaluate evidence.
• You must demonstrate appropriate respect the opinions and ideas of other students.  If you repeatedly show disrespect for other students will be asked to leave the classroom.
• Class discussions are NOT a time to chat with other students about topics not related to the course.  Talking privately with other students while the rest of the class is trying to carry on a discussion is disruptive, bothersome, and disrespectful to other students and to the professor.  If you repeatedly talk out of turn, you will be asked to leave the classroom.
• It is acceptable (and encouraged) to disagree with the perspectives of other students, but you should phrase this to show disagreement with the idea or opinion, not with the person presenting the idea or opinion.
• Please make sure that all pagers, cell phones, etc. are turned off during class time.  If your phone or pager repeatedly interrupts class, you will be asked to leave the classroom.
• Any work missed by a student that was asked to leave the classroom cannot be made up under any circumstances.
 

(6)  You are expected to comply with all academic standards and ethics as defined in the DSU Bulletin and Handbook
• You are expected to do their own work in this course.  Plagiarism and other forms of cheating will NOT be tolerated.
• Click here if you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism.  The DSU Library's "Plagiarism Prevention: A Guide for Students" is also a good resource.  If it is still unclear, see the instructor.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND THESE GUIDELINES.  If at some point in the semester you are suspected of committing plagiarism, pleas of “I didn’t know what plagiarism was” will not be accepted.
• The policy on plagiarism includes the sanctions – use the above link.  Make sure you are aware of these sanctions BEFORE you submit any work in this class.

  

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Course Outline:

 

Week

Day/

Date

Topic

Assignment

Reading

Course Introduction

1

Mon.

1/12

Registration

 

 

Wed.

1/14

Introduction:

Why Conduct Social Research?

 

 

2

Mon.

1/19

 M.L. KING HOLIDAY

 

 

Wed.

1/21

Overview; Data: What Is It?  How Do We Get It?

 

Neuman, Ch. 1

3

Mon.

1/26

The Role of Theory in Social Research

 

Neuman, Ch. 2

Wed.

1/28

Reading a Journal Article

 

Curtis et al. 2001

4

Mon.

2/2

Beginning Social Research:

The Literature Review

 

Neuman, Ch. 4

Wed.

2/4

Quiz No. 1

Introduction to the Group Project

QUIZ 1

 

5

Mon.

2/9

Capturing Social Phenomena:

Measurement in Social Research

 

Neuman, Ch. 5

Wed.

2/11

Designing a Study and Developing

a Research Question

 

 

6

Mon.

2/16

Choosing Subjects and Sampling

RESEARCH

TOPIC

Neuman, Ch. 6

Wed.

2/18

Writing Assignment No. 1

WRITING 1

 

 

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Week

Day/

Date

Topic

Assignment

Reading

Quantitative Research Design

7

Mon.

2/23

Collecting Quantitative Data

 

Neuman, Ch. 7

Wed.

2/25

Conducting Surveys

ANNOTATED

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

8

Mon.

3/1

Quiz No. 2

Group Projects

QUIZ 2

Neuman, Ch. 8

Wed.

3/3

Experimental Design Strategies

 

 

9

Mon.

3/8

Gathering and Using Secondary Data

 

Neuman, Ch. 9

Wed.

3/10

Quantitative Case Study

RESEARCH

QUESTION

Koons-Witt 2002

SPRING HOLIDAYS, MARCH 15–19

10

Mon.

3/22

Quantitative Analysis

 

Neuman, Ch. 10

Wed.

3/24

Writing Assignment No. 2

WRITING 2

 

  

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Week

Day/

Date

Topic

Assignment

Reading

Qualitative Research Design

11

Mon.

3/29

Collecting Qualitative Data

 

Neuman, Ch. 11

Wed.

3/31

Field Research

Quiz No. 3

QUIZ 3

 

12

Mon.

4/5

Historical and Comparative Research

 

Neuman, Ch. 12

Wed.

4/7

Constructing a Table

 

 

13

Mon.

4/12

Guest Speaker: Dr. Phil Howard

METHODO-

LOGICAL

APPROACH

Neuman, Ch. 13

Wed.

4/14

 Qualitative Case Study

 

 

14

Mon.

4/19

Writing Assignment No. 3

WRITING 3;
CRITIQUE

Neuman, Ch. 14

Wed.

4/21

Presenting Research Results; Research Ethics

 

Koeber 2002

15

Mon.

4/26

Presentation of Group Projects

 

Neuman, Ch. 3

Wed.

4/28

Course Evaluation;

Presentation of Group Projects

PROPOSAL DUE 

 

Dead Week

16

Mon.

5/3

Final Exam

FINAL EXAM

 

Wed.

5/5

Presentation of Group Projects

 

 

Final Exam

 

Wed.

5/12

Final Exam, 12:00 – 3:00 pm

 GRAD PAPERS DUE

 

 

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Additional Readings:

 

Curtis, James E. 2001. Nation of Joiners: Explaining Voluntary Association Membership in Democratic Societies. American Sociological Review 66(6):783–805.  Click here for instructions on downloading or printing this article.
 

Koeber, Charles. 2002. Corporate Restructuring, Downsizing, and the Middle Class: The Process and Meaning of Worker Displacement in the “New” Economy. Qualitative Sociology 25(2):217–246.  Click here for instructions on downloading or printing this article.

 

Koons-Witt, Barbara A. 2002. The Effect of Gender on the Decision to Incarcerate Before and After the Introduction of Sentencing Guidelines. Criminology 40(2): 297–327.  Click here for instructions on downloading or printing this article.

 

Readings Assignments
and Grading		 Additional
Course Policies		 Course
Outline		 Additional
Readings

 

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