This course introduces students to applied sociology in a non-profit or agency setting where they will learn about grant-writing, evaluation, and data display. Students will read academic literature on these topics and work with the instructor and a selected non-profit to understand all three components. Students create a final portfolio of information and skills gained from research, data analysis and infographic creation, presenting the data analysis and infographic to agency.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods or SOC 3940 Qualitative Research Methods and sophomore standing.
SOC 3930 Quantitative Research Methods (4 hours)
In this course, students are introduced to quantitative research methods commonly used in social science research: survey research, experimental design, secondary analysis, and evaluation research. Emphasis is on survey research, including project design, questionnaire construction, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, and formal presentation of results. Key elements of the course are learning to ask researchable questions and formulate testable hypotheses.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology and any Statistics course (SOC 2910 Social Statistics is preferred.)
Normally offered each fall semester.
SOC 3940 Qualitative Research Methods (4 hours)
In this course, students are introduced to qualitative research methods commonly used in social science research. Emphasis is on individualized project design, project construction, data analysis, and formal presentation of results. Course content includes exploration of observation, participant observation, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, content analysis, case study, and online qualitative innovations in research.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology.
Normally offered each spring semester.
