Your Syllabus

Post University
Research Methodology for the Social Sciences – Independent Study
Mod 5 – May 5th – June 28th 2008
Professor Henry Schissler

Catalog Description:
This course emphasizes the methods and techniques for research in psychology and sociology, including both laboratory and survey techniques. Emphasis is placed on the development of empirical questions from theory, research design and control, construction of survey instruments, statistical analysis and interpretation of results. Exercises include development of an original research project appropriate to the student’s major field.

Required Text:
Babbie, E. (2007). The Practice of Social Research (11e). (bundle)

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will
1.understand the nature of psychology and sociology as empirical disciplines;
2.understand the nature of the scientific method and requirements of scientific investigation;
3.be able to formulate research questions;
4.be able to formulate operational definitions;
5.understand sampling theory and techniques
6.understand the principles of research design, a variety of specific methodologies and their uses, problems, and limits, including laboratory, clinical/case studies, survey studies, and field studies;
7.obtain first-hand experience in actual design, conducting, analysis, interpretation, and written reporting of research;
8.understand different scales of measurement and the appropriate statistical tests applied to the different scales;
9.know how to conduct a literature review;
10.know how to prepare research reports;

Course Schedule – Independent Study Content Areas
1. Introduction to Human Inquiry and Science;
2. Paradigms, Theory, & Social Research;
3. The Ethics and Politics of Social Research;
4. Research Design;
5. Conceptualization, Operationalization, & Measurement;
6. The Logic of Sampling;
7. Survey Research;
8. Social Statistics;
9. Quantitative Data Analysis;
10. Experiments;
11. Qualitative Field Research;
12. General Social Survey Review and Data Analysis

Evaluation Method:
The student will be graded as follows:
1. Objective/essay examinations 30% of final grade
2. Independent Research 30% of final grade
3. Research Report 40% of final grade