Description:

This course deals with scientific research methods utilized in the social sciences, especially psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. The course examines a wide range of data collection methodologies including observation, questionnaire construction, and controlled experimentation. The course will be beneficial for analyzing and evaluating the quality of research findings reported in both the popular and academic press. It will also be useful to those who plan to engage in occupations requiring the use of research methodology. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. SOC 210, PSYC 210 and POLS 210 are the same course. Do not enroll in more than one of these courses.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. To describe the scientific process and assess the value of scientific research.
2. To reflect on the ethical concerns and procedures of research on human subjects.
3. To learn the components of and how to create a research design in order to carry out successful social research.
4. To utilize the various methodologies necessary to engage in successful social research.
5. To analyze data and draw conclusions by using measurement and basic statistics.
6. To learn how to write a research paper that reports significant findings.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Behavior of the Scientist and the Scientific Weltanschauung
   A. Describe deductive reasoning (Scientific Method) 
   B. Describe inductive reasoning (Grounded Theory) 
   C. Explain the influence of bias on the behavior of the scientist
   D. Describe ethical guidelines for scientists

II. Generating Research Questions
   A. Discuss the sources of ideas for research
   B. Conduct a review of the literature relevant to a study
   C. Utilize the relevant library resources, including technology, to aid
in the literature review

III. The Process of Social Research:  Create a Research Design
   A. State the Problem
   B. Construct Hypotheses
   C. Identify Variables
      i. independent variables
      ii. dependent variables
      iii. constants
   D. Operationally Define Variables
   E. Describe the selection of sample subjects/participants
   F. Research Methods
      i.   Learn and create a naturalistic observation
      ii.  Learn and create a correlational designs
      iii. Create experimental designs including group design and
single-subject designs
      iv.  Create a content analysis
       v.  Survey methods
         1. Construct a Questionnaire 
         2. Conduct an Interview
      vi. Observation
         1. Engage in Participant Observation
         2. Engage in Non-participant Observation
     vii. Understand Evaluation Research
    viii. Describe the use of existing resources in research

IV. Analyzing the Data
   A. Apply basic Statistical Analysis to data
   B. Employ Qualitative Analysis
   C. Utilize SPSS for Computer Analysis of data
   D. Generalize the data
   E. Describe Reliability and Validity

V. Writing the Research Report
   A. Create a Time Frame
   B. Know the Audience for a paper
   C. Draw Conclusions
   D. Format the paper correctly
      i. Tables, charts, graphs
     ii. Chapter divisions

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

50% of grade:  A minimum of four (4) examinations    
50% of grade:  A minimum of four (4) projects designed to apply the
methods and processes being learned 

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.