166-081 Quantitative Social Research

Students intending to do fourth-year honours in sociology must have completed this subject as part of their major.

Usually 25 points of first-year subjects in Sociology, Political Science or a related area.

This subject introduces students to the logic and major processes of quantitative research focusing on survey research in particular. Students are taught how to do quantitative research via hands on experience in workshops or labs. Topics covered include research design, conceptualisation and operationalisation, questionnaire design, sampling and preliminary data analysis. This subject is relevant to research and to the informed interpretation of quantitative data in a range of disciplines. It is also relevant to employment in environments where survey data is collected or applied, including government, commercial, health and community organisations.

• demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;

• display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.

Workshop assessments of 2500 words 45% (due during the semester), an in class test of 800 words 30% (to be held mid semester), and lab worksheets totalling 700 words 25% (due during lab sessions).

• E Babbie, The Basics of Social Research. Wadsworth Publishing 1999.