SOC 260 - Research Methodology

Institution:

Delaware County Community College

Subject:

Sociology

Description:

This course investigates and analyzes both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. It is designed to give students the skills to examine social science issues through creating and utilizing empirical research. Study is concentrated on experimentation, types of research sources, survey construction and field participation. Research papers are required. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: Describe the scientific method and its assumptions as a way of knowing and why it is used in research; Explain the relationship between theory and research; Apply the steps in the research design and distinguish between correlational designs; Describe and distinguish the difference between independent and dependent variables and techniques of experimental control; Create a literature review on a relevant social science topic; Detail the process of creating a hypothesis and question for examination through research; Describe index and scales construction; Explain the differences between quantitative and qualitative research including correlation, association and causation; Describe the meaning of validity and reliability in research while demonstrating an understanding of construct, internal and external validity and the threats to validity; Explain the importance of the IRB and ethics in research; Explain the difference between random and systematic error; Apply methods to measure causal and/or associative changes in a dependent variable; Describe the difference between primary and secondary data; Describe the experimental and quasi-experimental design; Explain single IV, factorial and single case designs; Conduct mock interview and debriefing; Describe the purpose of a research proposal and write a sample proposal in APA research format.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

ENG 100, One Math (MAT) Course (Except for MAT 025), and (One Psychology (PSY) Course or One Sociology (SOC) Course)

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dccc.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 359-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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