RSY 670 Research Methods

INSTRUCTOR: Joseph J. Molnar

301 Comer Hall 844-5615 jmolnar@ag.auburn.edu

TEXTS:

Wallace, Walter. 1971. The Logic of Science in Sociology. Chicago: Aldine.

Rossi Peter H., J.D. Wright and A. B. Anderson (eds.) 1985. Handbook of Survey Research. New York: Academic Press.

Berg, Bruce L. 1995. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand the scientific method as applied in social research.

2. To review the fundamental principles and procedures of survey research.

3. To review various qualitative and observational approaches to sociological research.

4. To develop an awareness of research materials available from the U.S. Census Bureau, government records and other sources through printed reports, computerized media, and the Internet..

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

COMPUTER ACCOUNTS. Each student is required to have a computer account to access the IBM mainframe and Internet email on the Mallard. Use the application in AIMS called DUC. Enter your social security and personal access code. If you need email put an X beside Sun; for mainframe account put X next to Academic TSO. Your account will be activated within 24 hours.

EXAMINATIONS: Two midterms and final

EVALUATION: Examinations exercises and the research proposal each represent about 20 percent of the course grade.

No incompletes will be given

RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Each student will complete a 10-20 page thesis proposal that includes:

a statement of the problem identifying research questions reflecting a gap need inconsistency contradiction or neglected area of the literature

specific research objectives reflecting theoretical, empirical, and practical outcomes

a literature review including at least ten substantive references;

hypotheses spelling out specific expectations for observations to be made;

description of the sample where observations (measurement) will occur;

data collection procedures for making observations

variable measures detailing how numbers are assigned to differences

simulated analysis of the data answering the research question, i.e., tables without numbers

Final typed copy to be submitted by May 30

Students are encouraged to use AUTHESIS or SCRIPT on the Auburn University mainframe computer. A microcomputer AU thesis template for Wordperfect is available from DUC.

Use American Sociological Review or Rural Sociology reference format.

*** Preliminary title due April 8, 100 word abstract, and five references due April 15.

Return to Courses.

COURSE OUTLINE AND READINGS

WEEK 1: The Scientific Method and the Sociological Paradigm

Wallace, The Logic of Science in Sociology IN TOTO

Sjoberg and Nett 2, "Basic Orientations to the Scientific Method"

Sjoberg and Nett 3 "The Logic of Inquiry and the Nature of Theoretical Systems"

Sjoberg and Nett 4, "The Researcher and the Social System"

Sjoberg and Nett 5 "Selection and Formulation of a Research Project"

Math Refresher

WEEK 2: The Research Process: Assumptions, Strategies, and Traditions

Merton 2, "On Sociological Theories of the Middle Range"

Merton 4 "The Bearing of Empirical Research on the Development of Social Theory"

NSF, "Survey Research and Opinion Polls"

R1 - Rossi et al. "Sample Surveys History Current Practice and Future Prospects"

Project

WEEK 3: Measurement: The Central Issues of Reliability and Validity

R3 - Bohrnstedt, "Measurement"

R7 - Anderson et al., "Measurement Theory and Techniques"

Campbell "Factors Relevant to the Validity of Experiments in Social Settings"

EXAM I

WEEK 4: Sampling: History, Theory, and Practice

R2 - Frankel, "Sampling Theory"

R5 - Sudman, "Applied Sampling"

WEEK 5 Survey Research: Mail Questionnaires, Face-to-Face and Telephone Interviews

R6 - Sheatsley, "Questionnaire Construction and Item Writing"

R8 - Bradburn, "Response Effects"

R9 - Weinberg, "Data Collection: Planning and Management"

R10 - Dillman, "Mail and Other Self-Administered Questionnaires"

WEEK 6 Data Reduction, Recording, Checking, and Summarizing Survey Results

R11 - Karweit and Meyers, "Computers in Survey Research"

R12 - Anderson et al., "Missing Data

McKennel, "Attitude Measurement: Use of Coefficient Alpha"

Zeisel, Chapters 1 "The Presentation of Numbers"

EXAM II

WEEK 7 Qualitative Methods Ethnographic Observational and Unobtrusive Techniques

Denzin, "Logic of Naturalistic Inquiry"

Berg, "Chapters 1-4, "Qualitative Research Methods"

WEEK 8: Qualitative Methods: (continued)

Berg, Chapters 5-9, "Qualitative Research Methods"

WEEK 9: Census and Other Secondary Data

Bureau of the Census, "Census Geography and Other Data Products"

FINAL EXAM

SELECTED REFERENCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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).

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