SOC 206 - Doing Quantitative Research

Much of the research done by sociologists involves quantitative analysis. This course focuses on the design and execution of quantitative studies. While we do learn to use/interpret some complex statistics (e.g., correlation and regression analysis), this is not a statistics course. PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF STATISTICS IS NOT REQUIRED. Our primary focus will be on research design, that is, how to properly construct a study. In the process, we will develop an intuitive understanding of the sorts of data analyses conducted by sociologists. This will enable us to read, interpret, and understand the tables and graphs produced by sociologists. These skills will enable us to engage the core of the course: the use of two data sets, each of which has yielded multiple publications. Initially, we review a number of published studies with an eye to learning how to best design a quantitative study. Subsequently, we will design original research projects using each data set. Finally, we will conduct the research and analyze our findings.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: FA

Anticipated Terms Offered: Spring 2014