UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS-DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
SOCI 5200: SEMINAR ON RESEARCH METHODS & DESIGN
Fall 2016
Instructor: Gül Seçkin, Ph.D. Class Date: Tuesday
Office: Chilton Hall 390D Class Time: 2:00 p.m-4:50 p.m.
Email: Class Location: GAB 550
Phone: 940-369-7751
Office Hours: T& TR 12:30-1:30 pm and/ or by appointment
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course will focus on the strategies of the empirical research process and explore a range of approaches to social inquiry. By learning about how research can be conducted appropriately, you will also learn what to look for when evaluating the research of others. You will use a hand-on approach so that you will be able to develop your own research question and choose an appropriate method to gather your data. The knowledge and the skills you will acquire throughout the semesters will build upon each other such that skills learned earlier in the semester will be necessary for your success later in the semester. Thus, I encourage you to make an appointment with me whenever you have questions and/or difficulties with any of the topic and assignments. At the end of this course, you should have a possession of knowledge of the following: (1) stages of the research process and procedures, (2) data collection methodologies in the social sciences and (3) design and know-how to execute manageable research projects.
REQUIRED BOOKS
(1) Durkheim, E. (2014). Rules of Sociological Method. Free Press.
(2)Lomand, T.C. (2012). Social Science Research. A Cross Section of Journal Articles for Discussion and
Evaluation. Pyrczak.
(3) Patten, M. L. (2014). Understanding Research Methods. An Overview of the Essentials. Pyrczak.
(4) Verdugo, E. D. (1998). Practical Problems in Research MethodsPyrczak.
COURSE SCHEDULE
August 30: Introduction to Research Methods
Read Part A in Patten
Read Chapter 1 in Durkheim
September 6: Introduction to Research Methods
Read Part A in Patten
Read Survey Research in Lomand
Read Chapter 2 in Durkheim
September 13: Reviewing Literature
Read Part B in Patten
Read observational Research in Lomand
*Research proposal topic due*
September 20: Sampling
Read Part D in Patten
Read Part A in Verdugo
Read Causal-Comparative Research in Lomand
September 27: Measurement
Read Part E in Patten
Read Part B in Verdugo
Read Content/Document Analysis in Lomand
October 4: Operational Definitions
Read Part C in Verdugo
Read Correlational Research in Lomand
Read Chapter 5 in Durkheim
October 11: Understanding Statistics
Read Part G in Patten
*Research proposal part 1 due*
October 18: Understanding Statistics
Read Part G in Patten
Read Combined Qualitative/Quantitative Research in Lomand
Read Chapter 6 in Durkheim
October 25. Qualitative Research
Read Part I in Patten
Read Qualitative Research in Lomand
Read the Method of Sociology in Durkheim
October 27: Experimental Design
Read Part F in Patten
Read Part E in Verdugo
Read Experimental Research in Lomand
November 1: *Midterm due*
November 8: Preparing Research Reports
Read Part J in Patten
Read Meta-Analysis in Lomand
November 15: No class-Annual Meeting of Gerontological Society of America
*Proposal Part 2 due*
Nov. 22: Ethical Considerations
Read Part F in Verdugo
*Complete Revised Proposal (Part 1 and Part 2 together) due*
Nov 29: *Student presentations*
December 6:*Student presentations*
Dec. 13: *Take-home final due*
ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS & GRADING
(1) Take-HomeExams(Midterm & Final):A substantial portion of both exams will include evaluation of research articles from your course book, titled Social Science Research. A Cross Section of Journal Articles for Discussion and Evaluation by Lomand. You will have your exams a week before they are due. Each exam is 100 points. A total of 200 points possible.
(2)Research Proposal: Each student is required to complete a research proposal. You are required to turn in a one-page outline of your proposal topic by the due date stated above. This outline should contain a few sentences for each of the following parts: Introduction (the main research question and why it is important) and Literature Review and Theory (What literature will you review and which concepts will you use? – list at least 5 recent scholarly research articles). Upon approval, you will turn in your research proposal in two parts. Part 1 is introduction and literature review. Part 2 is the methodology. You will turn in your complete final research proposal at the end of the semester by the due date specified above. You will be graded separately for proposal part 1 and part 2 as well as for the revised complete proposal. I will provide you with templates for each part. A total of 150 points possible at the end of the process.
(3) Presentation:You will prepare a power point presentation of your research proposal. I will provide you with a template for your presentation. The purpose of this is to practice professional presentation of your research in 15 minutes and receive feedback from your audience. This presentation will be worth of 150 points.
COURSE POLICIES
Success in this class is measured by the degree to which students demonstrate effort, understanding, and critical analysis of the subject matter. Sloppy or late work, irregular attendance, and/or a mediocre research proposal, and exams will reduce your grade. Especially insightful in-class contributions, extra effort on assignments, and an outstanding research proposal/exam will increase the grade. The syllabus may be subject to change at the instructor’s discretion as needed.All course assignments are to be submitted no later than due date specified on the course syllabus. Students who have a legitimate reason for submitting a late assignment should contact the instructor PRIOR to due date. The instructor reserves the right to determine whether a late assignment can be submitted without point penalty. Unapproved late assignments will be marked down three points for each day they are late.
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