166-081 Quantitative Social Research

This subject is a compulsory for students intending to complete a Sociology major. Due to the nature and design of this course, no subject material will be put on Webraft.

Usually a first-year subject 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 tasks (including oral and written work) totalling 2000 words, 45% (due throughout the semester); lab tasks totalling 1000 words, 25% (due during the last three weeks of the semester); mid-term in class test equivalent to 1000 words, 30%.

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