GDEV 5130 - Introduction to Social Science Research Methods

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Co-meets with GDEV 2130.

S. Giroux.

Introduction to social science research. The course reviews the general process through which social scientists derive credible answers to important questions about social change and social influences on individual behavior. It covers all steps in the research process, from the formulation of a research question to the final presentation of findings. The course is designed as a preparation for future work in social science research, but it is also intended for students who simply want to sharpen their capacity to evaluate the claims made by researchers. The course combines theory and application. A group research project is used to apply the concepts and ideas from the textbook and lectures.

Outcome 1: Identify, compare, and apply the basic concepts of research, such as variables, operationalization, units of analysis, sampling, reliability, validity, and design.

Outcome 2: Compare the linkages between type of research questions (i.e. descriptive vs. causal) and the implications for design, analysis and inferences/interpretation.

Outcome 3: Examine the ethical issues involved in research, and practice ethical research standards.

Outcome 4: Identify and explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research.

Outcome 5: Integrate theory and previous research to create research questions and hypotheses and to identify and analyze the appropriate method and variables needed for research questions.

Outcome 6: Analyze existing secondary data using SPSS and basic univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Outcome 7: Design a research project and poster that will (a) present your research question; (b) review background literature and theory related to your question; (c) present your own univariate, bivariate and multivariate findings and, (d) address possible limitations and further directions for your work.