Sociology 382: Sociological Research Methods

Sociology 382: Sociological Research Methods

Professor Howard F. Taylor
Department of Sociology
2N1 Green Hall
Fall 1995
Preceptor: Erin Kelly
11:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays
McCosh 62
This Course is intended as a practical introduction to a variety of methods for doing social research. In addition, the course will provide the student with actual experience in the analysis of data. Critique of existing studies is undertaken. The main objective is to enable students to carry out, and also evaluate, social science research.

Course Requirements

  1. One midterm examination (essay and short essay) on Thursday, October 26.
  2. One final examination (essay and short essay).
  3. A major requirement of the course is the term project (term paper) which will consist of an empirical research study, from formulation and design through data analysis, of either primary data the student gathers or secondary data, and finally write-up. Both qualitative projects as well as quantitative projects will be acceptable. Close consultation with the instructor/preceptor is necessary for this project. The term project is due on: January 16, Tuesday, "Dean's date," 5:00 p.m., in Room 2-N-2 Green Hall.
  4. Precept participation. Precepts will be used for discussion and clarification of the reading materials; discussion and critique of existing studies; student projects; and especially during the second half of the course, for training in statistical analysis, which entails the use of SPSS and the mainframe computer.
  5. Reading:

    Reading selections are from the packet for purchase at Pequod, and also on Special Reserve (in Room 2-N-2 Green Hall).

    WEEK 1 (September 14, 19, and 21): Introduction to the Research Process

    1. Babbie, Chapter 1 and start Chapter 2.

    WEEK 2 (September 26 and 28): Theory, Research, and Causation

    1. Babbie, Chapters 2 and 3.
    2. Kerlinger, "Constructs, Variables, and Definitions" (Pequod packet).

    WEEK 3 (October 3 and 5): Design, Conceptualization, Measurement, and Measurement Error

    1. Babbie, Chapters 4, 5, and 6.
    2. A.R. Jensen, BIAS IN MENTAL TESTING, skim pp. 465-515 (in packet).
    3. H.F. Taylor, "Biases in 'Bias in Mental Testing" (in packet).
    4. H.F. Taylor, "Intelligence," ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOCIOLOGY (in packet).

    WEEK 4 (October 10 and 12): Sampling and Sample Design

    1. Babbie, Chapter 8.
    2. H.F. Taylor, "The Structure of a National Black Leadership Network: Preliminary Findings" (in packet).
    3. Begin individual conferences on term projects.

    WEEK 5 (October 17 and 19): Experimental Designs in Lab and Field; and Evaluation Research

    1. Babbie, Chapter 9 and skim Chapter 13 and Chapter 7.

    WEEK 6 (October 24 and 26): Midterm Review and Midterm Examination

    1. (No new reading assignments).
    2. A review session will be scheduled.
    3. Midterm Examination: In class, Thursday, October 26.

    WEEK 7 (November 7 and 9): Survey Research and Questionnaire Construction, Including Scaling Techniques; and Field Research

    1. Babbie, Chapters 10 and 11; and review of Chapters 6 and 7 carefully.
    2. E. Anderson, A PLACE ON THE CORNER, preface through Chapter 2 (packet).
    3. W. Gamson, "Ethnomethodology" (on special reserve).

    WEEK 8 (November 14 and 16): Unobtrusive Research, Content Analysis, and Indirect Measurement; also Secondary Analysis

    1. Babbie, Chapter 12; review Chapter 11.
    2. Skim E.T. Webb, et. al., "Unobtrusive Measures" (packet).

    WEEK 9 (November 21): Data Analysis Principles and Univariate Analysis

    1. Babbie, Chapters 14 and 15. Also: A good time to read Appx. B (on the Research Report).
    2. SPSS Guide, Chapters 1-4 and Chapters 5-6.

    WEEK 10: (November 28 and 30): Bivariate Analysis Techniques and Reasoning

    1. Babbie, Review Chapter 15, read Chapter 16 and skim Chapter 17 and Appx. H.
    2. SPSS Guide, Chapters 7, 8 and 9 (especially Chapter 9).
    3. Browse through D.C. Miller, HANDBOOK OF RESEARCH DESIGN AND SOCIAL MEASUREMENT, and especially J.P. Robinson, et. al., MEASURES OF PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTITUDES, both on special reserve.

    WEEK 11 (December 5 and 7): Multivariate Analysis Techniques and Reasoning; also Elementary Causal Analysis

    1. Babbie, Chapter 16 again; Chapter 17.
    2. SPSS Guide, Review Chapter 9; read Chapters 10, 18, and 20.
    3. H.M. Blalock, "Race Versus Class: Distinguishing Reality From Artifacts" (packet).
    4. Selection from THE BELL CURVE (packet).
    5. BELL CURVE critiques by Hauser, Taylor, and Duster, CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY, March 1995 (packet).

    WEEK 12 (December 12 and 14): Policy Research; Ethics and Social Research

    1. Babbie, Chapters 18 and 19 and Appx. B again (on the research report).
    2. SPSS Guide, review as necessary.

    READING PERIOD JANUARY 8-16

    TERM PROJECTS DUE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 5:00 P.M., 2-N-2 GREEN HALL

    blanche@pucc.princeton.edu September 1995