RSY370 Research Methods

INSTRUCTOR: Joseph J. Molnar

301 Comer Hall

jmolnar@acesag.auburn.edu Office hours 8:30-4:30

TEXTS: Babbie, E.R., 1986. The Practice of Social Research

Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 6th edition [maroon].

OBJECTIVES:

To understand the scientific method as applied in sociological research.

To examine the central methods and procedures of survey research.

To review qualitative and observational data collection techniques.

To become aware of research materials available from the U.S. Census Bureau, government records, and the Internet.

EXERCISES: Practical applications of course materials will be assigned periodically throughout the course. These will include library and computer projects. Plant to complete them neatly and on time. Six projects will be due throughout the quarter.

EXAMINATIONS: Three examinations and cumulative review final.

To be scheduled at appropriate intervals.

Unannounced quizzes at any time.

Blue books required for all exams

EVALUATION: Examinations are about 60 percent of your grade; projects account for the remainder.

Course points = test points + [.75 * project points]

Percentage = [Course points + Quiz points] / total

[A=92-100; B=84-91; C=72-83; D=64-71.]

No incompletes will be given

COURSE OUTLINE AND READINGS

Week Topic Chapters Projects

1. The Research Process 1, 2, 3

Sociology s Science

Paradigms & Theories

2. Conceptualization 4, 5, 6 I. Measurement 9/28

Concepts & Definitions

Levels of Measurement

Hypotheses

EXAM 10/2

3. Sampling 8 II. Sampling 10/9

Probability Theory

Sample Statistics & Population Parameters

Types of Sampling

Practical Consequences

4. Survey Research 10

Data Collection as Communication

Mail Questionnaires

Telephone Surveys

Face-to-Face Interviews

EXAM 10/20

5. Analysis 14, 15, Apx.H III. Frequencies 10/26

Coding

Data Entry Alternatives

Analysis Basics

Computing Advances

6. Causes & Explanations 16, 17 IV. Crosstabs 11/3

Crosstabulation

Table Building Conventions

Control Variables

Elaboration Model

7. Index, Scale, & Typology 7

Types of Composite Measures

Strategies for Data Reduction

Evaluating Composite Measures

EXAM 11/10

8. Nonsurvey Methods 9, 11, 12 V. Qualitative 11/17

Intensive Interviewing

Observation

Participation

Focus Groups

9. Secondary & Census Handout VI. Dream County 11/29

Data Archives

Census Geography

Modes of Data Availability

Census Publication Program

10. Ethics & Politics 18,19

Looking where the Light is

Tell the Truth

Do No Harm

Classes End December 1

CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM

SELECTED REFERENCES

Barzun, J. and H.F. Graff. 1992 [1957]. The Modern Researcher. Fifth Edition. New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

Becker, Howard S. 1986. Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article. Chicago: University of Chicago Press

Bynner, John and Keith M. Stribley 1979. Social Research Principles and Procedures. New York: Longman.

Casley, D.J. and D. A. Lury. 1987. Data Collection in Developing Countries. Second Edition. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.

Casley, Dennis J. and Krishna Kumar. 1988. The Collection, Analysis, and Use of Monitoring and Evaluation Data. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Cook Thomas D. and Donald T. Campbell 1979. Quasi-Experimentation Design and Analysis Issues for Field Settings. Chicago: Rand McNally.

Forcese D. P. and S. Richer 1970. Stages of Social Research: Contemporary Perspectives. Englewood Cliffs New Jersey Prentice-Hall.

Kaplan Abraham 1984. The Conduct of Inquiry: Methodology for Behavioral Science. San Francisco: Chandler.

Kaplan Pauline B. and Linda Frankel 1981. A Student Sociologist's Handbook. Glennview, Illinois: Scott-Foresman.

Lofland John and L. H. Lofland 1984. Analyzing Social Settings A Guide to Qualitative Observation and Analysis. Belmont California: Wadsworth.

Merton Robert K. 1967. On Theoretical Sociology New York: Glencoe.

Miller Delbert C. 1977. Handbook of Research Design and Social Measurement. New York: David McKay.

Mueller, Daniel J. 1986. Measuring Social Attitudes: A Handbook for Researchers and Practitioners. New York: Teachers College Press, Columbia University.

Mullins Carolyn J. A Guide to Writing and Publishing in the Social Sciences. New York: Wiley-Interscience.

Oskamp, Stuart 1977. Attitudes and Opinions. Englewood Cliffs New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Rosenburg Morris 1968. The Logic of Survey Analysis. New York Basic.

Rossi Peter H. and H. E. Freeman 1985. Evaluation: A Systematic Approach. Third Edition. Revelry Hills: Sage.

Shyrock H. S. and J. S. Siegel. 1976. The Methods and Materials of Demography. New York: Academic

Sjoberg Gideon, and Roger Nett 1968. A Methodology for Social Research. New York: Harper and Row.

Sonquist, J.A. and W. C. Dunkelburg. 1977. Survey and Opinion Research: Procedures for Processing and Analysis New York: Prentice-Hall.

Stanton B. F. 1980. Expressing Ideas With Tables and Charts. A.E.E 80-26. Ithaca Department of Agricultural Economics New York State College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

University of Chicago 1969. A Manual of Style 12th Edition Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

U.S. Bureau of Census 1995. Statistical Abstract of the United States. National Data Book and Guide to Sources Washington D.C. Superintendent of Documents, USGPO.

Webb E, .J.D.T. Campbell, R D. Schwartz, and L. Seechrist. 1971. Unobtrusive Measures: Non Reactive Research in the Social Sciences. Chicago: Aldine.

Williams Carol T. and Gary K. Wolfe 1979. Elements of Research A Guide for Writers. Sherman Oaks, California: Alfred.

Zeisset Paul T. 1978. Reference Manual on Population and Housing Statistics from the Census Bureau. Washington D.C.Subscriber Services Division (Publication Bureau of Census U.S. Department of Commerce).

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