SOC 303 Research Methods

SOC 303 Research Methods
Sections 01 and 50, both online.

In this course, students will become acquainted with the primary quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the field of sociology.  Qualitative methods use study participants' own words (via interviews, narratives, documents) to understand their social experiences. Researchers who use quantitative methods tend to conduct larger studies and produce quantitative summaries/ analyses of their data. (Note: This course does NOT require knowledge of statistics.) Students will read textbook descriptions of how these research methods should be used and accounts (published articles) of studies that use these methods.  Course assignments primarily include a mixture of online quizzes, short (1-5 page) written assignments, and Discussion Board posts.  While gaining knowledge about research methods is valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in the social (or biological) sciences, the skills students develop in this course also can help them become better educated consumers of information. This is a WR and a DE course (with no synchronous class sessions).  (For more information, contact Dr. Debbie Potter.)