METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH SOCIOLOGY 363 Fall 2019 Samuelson 149 3:00-4:40 Tues/Thurs
Dr. Griff Tester Email: [email protected] Office: Samuelson 231i Tele: 509-963-2005 Office Hours: T/Th 9:00a – 9:50a and by appointment
Course Description This course introduces students to the methods sociologists use to collect and analyze data. We will focus on qualitative research methods. During the first half of the quarter, we will define and describe social research, review the philosophical assumptions and interpretive frameworks that frame the research process, examine research design, and explore qualitative approaches to inquiry. In the second half of the quarter, we will examine the practice of social research, including data collection, data analysis and representation, writing a qualitative study, and standards of validation and evaluation.
Course Objectives After completing this course, students should • be familiar with and able to use the language of sociological research • understand research ethics applicable to social science research • understand the basics of research design, concept measurement, and sampling • be able to understand and conduct interview, focus group, ethnographic, content analysis, and mixed- methods research. • have developed writing skills essential to social research
Required Text Creswell, John W. & Cheryl N. Poth. 2018. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th edition). SAGE.
Course Requirements and Policies
Canvas – Know how to use Canvas, including uploading assignments, using discussion boards, and taking tests. If you have technical difficulties, try using an alternate browser (Firefox or Explorer). For persistent problems, contact IT to get additional training or help with your settings. Although I manage the materials on the site, I am not in a position to resolve technical problems. I expect you to submit items using Canvas on time. Be sure you have access to a reliable Internet connection since late submissions incur penalties. There are student computer labs on campus, including one in the Sociology Department on the 4th floor of Farrell Hall.
1 Attendance - In the interest of a productive and interesting learning environment, attend all scheduled classes and participate in class discussions. Generally, university approved activities, such as required court appearances, religious holidays of your faith and emergency room visits, are the only excused absences. There will be in-class assignments from time to time, and no “make-ups” for these assignments unless I have excused the absence. Therefore, coming to class is important and essential to the successful completion of this course.
Classroom Conduct – Do not arrive to class late, talk during lectures, read for other classes, or use cell phones and other electronic devices for non-class related activities. In class, laptops are only for taking notes and other class-related activities.
Communication – When emailing me, use your Central email account, and include the course in the subject line (i.e., 363). Allow 24 hours for a response during the week, 48 hours on the weekend. The same response time applies to telephone messages. Feel free to stop by my office during office hours to discuss the material, the assignments, or any other school-related topics. If my office hours conflict with your schedule, email me to schedule an appointment at another time.
Assignments - Assignments for this class include a multi-staged in-depth interviewing project, various in- and out of class assignments, and two exams. I posted additional project and assignment information on Canvas. Assignments are due on time, and I will dock one letter grade for each day late, including the day it is due if I receive it after the class has ended.
A Word of Advice: Do not attempt to complete class assignments the weekend or night before they are due. Each requires that you spend time identifying sources of information, gaining access to research sites, making appointments with informants (which requires being flexible to their schedules!), and gathering and managing the data you gather before you start to write your paper. Plan and prepare for scheduling dilemmas and unforeseen surprises. These are common parts of the research process. If you are having difficulty with an assignment, let me know BEFORE the assignment is due. I rarely accept late papers and will do so only if you have made me aware of the dilemma ahead of time and we have been working together towards an appropriate solution.
Grade Distribution Research Project (4 parts) 50 pts Class Assignments 30 pts Exam #1 25 pts Exam #2 25 pts Total 130 pts
This class requires a high level of student organization and preparedness. Over-scheduling on your part, work conflicts, childcare responsibilities, and/or other personal matters are typically not grounds for extensions of assignments or the course. Generally, I do not give incompletes but assign grades based on work accomplished by the end of the quarter, and I do not change grades on assignments or exams unless I have made an error in grading or the calculations of grades. Likewise, I do not give extra credit during or at the end of the quarter for students who are not happy with the grade(s) they earned.
However, if you have questions about a grade you earned on an assignment or your overall grade in the class or if you do have an unexpected major problem of some sort that compromises your performance, please do not hesitate to contact me as early as possible. We can discuss your grade(s) and/or the possibility of an incomplete for unusual circumstances. Please keep in mind that I grade “incomplete” work when I can. It might be some time before you receive a grade. 2 Grade Scale A: 94-100 C+: 77-79 A-: 90-93 C: 73-76 B+: 87-89 C-: 70-72 B: 83-86 D: 60-69 B-: 80-82 F: Fewer than 60 points
Academic Integrity Academic Integrity is a standard set for this course. Students are expected to complete all of their coursework and assignments using their original words and ideas and will properly cite the words and ideas of others. Students are also expected to be honest in their interactions with the instructor. A student found to have not upheld these expectations is subject to failing this course and shall be subject to disciplinary action or sanction. The University catalog defines the term “academic dishonesty” in all its forms including, but not limited to: • cheating on tests; • copying from another student’s test paper; • using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test; • collaboration with any other person during a test without authority; • knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test; • bribing any other person to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test; substitution for another student or permitting any other person to substitute for oneself to take a test; plagiarism" which shall mean the appropriation of any other person's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one's own work offered for credit; • "collusion" which shall mean the unauthorized collaboration with any other person in preparing work offered for credit.
Documented incidences of Academic Dishonesty will be referred to Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Accessibility and Accommodations Central Washington University is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning, discuss your concerns with the instructor. Students with disabilities should contact Disability Services to discuss a range of options to removing barriers, including accommodations. Disability Services is located in Hogue 126. Call (509) 963-2214 or email [email protected] for more information.
In compliance with RCW 28B.137.010, Central Washington University makes every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Students must present written notice to their instructor within the first two weeks of class listing the specific dates on which accommodations are required. Contact the Dean of Student Success at (509) 963-1515 for further information or questions.
3 COURSE OUTLINE*
WEEK 0 Introduction
09/26 Course Introduction
Chapter 1
WEEK 1 Philosophical Assumptions & Interpretive Frameworks
10/01 Chapter 2
Venkatapuram & Marmot. 2009. Epidemiology and Social Justice in Light of Social Determinants of Health Research. (PDF on canvas)
10/03
WEEK 2 Designing a Qualitative Study
10/08 Chapter 3
10/10
WEEK 3 Five Qualitative Approaches to Inquiry
10/15 Chapter 4
10/17 Chapter 5
WEEK 4 Introducing and Focusing the Study
10/22 Chapter 6
10/24
10/25 Exam 1
WEEK 5 Data Collection
10/29 Chapter 7
10/31
4 WEEK 6 Data Analysis & Representation
11/05 Chapter 8
11/07
WEEK 7 Standards of Validation & Evaluation
11/12 Chapter 10
11/14
WEEK 8 Data Collection, Analysis, & Validation continued
11/19
11/21
WEEK 9 Writing a Qualitative Study
11/26 Chapter 9
11/28 NO CLASS
WEEK 10 Wrap-up & Review
12/03
12/05
Exam Two: December 12th 2:00-4:00p
*This is a tentative schedule that may change as the course proceeds. Changes will be announced in class or via email and students are responsible for all announced changes.
5