Fall 2019 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]
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POS 289 - Research Methods
This course provides students with a basic understanding of how to conduct and evaluate scientific research in the social sciences. Course topics follow the major steps in qualitative and quantitative social science research design and execution from the definition of the problem and formulation of hypotheses to the interpretation of results and preparation of the final report.
Credits: 3
Cross-listed
ANT 289, SOC 289
Hours
3 Class Hours
Course Profile
Course Objectives:
1. Students will explore the role and importance of research.
2. Students will be introduced to the scientific research process.
3. Students will identify acceptable ethical procedures for the protection of human subjects associated with social scientific research.
4. Students will be introduced to the concepts of scientific sampling, generalizability, levels of measurement, reliability, and validity.
5. Students will learn the difference between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.
6. Students will understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
7. Students will learn the difference between social scientific knowledge and other types of knowledge.
8. Students will learn how to write a research proposal.
Learning Outcomes of the Course:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Explain the role and importance of social scientific research.
2. Evaluate social scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Apply the research process to create a small-scale research proposal.
4. Identify the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
5. Explain the role and importance of research ethics regarding human subjects.
6. Write clearly - identifying social scientific information correctly using proper citations.
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