Chapter 2 Projects

Project Assignment

Purpose

Social research requires understanding and making connections to various aspects and components of sociological theories and frameworks. The purpose of this project is to understand and apply research strategies within a sociological context.

Directions

Part 1

You will be conducting a mock study to obtain empirical evidence on the impact of social class on educational attainment. Think about how you can apply scientific research methods to answer questions about the social world. (You will not be conducting these studies, only setting them up.)

  1. Write a hypothesis about the impact of social class on educational attainment. Treat your hypothesis like a question with an independent and dependent variable. The hypothesis should be an assumption that you plan to either prove or disprove with your research.

  2. Write five close-ended survey questions. Ask yourself, "Will this give me data that relate to my hypothesis?" Remember to ask only one question at a time!

  3. Decide how, where, and when you would gather the responses to your survey.

  4. Which sociological framework will inform your study?

  5. Which sampling technique will you use?

Part 2

You will next answer some questions to evaluate your understanding of research methods and terms.

  • What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?

  • List three major distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data.

  • What are the strengths of quantitative data?

  • What are the strengths of qualitative data?

  • Give an example of quantitative data.

  • Give an example of qualitative data.

Materials

None required.

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

An important aspect of sociological research is the implementation of research ethics. Understanding and applying research ethics and methodology is an integral part of understanding the scientific method within a sociological framework. The purpose of this assignment is to examine and apply the code of research ethics used by sociologists.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages, answer the following questions about research ethics through a sociological lens. Include an introduction and conclusion, and make sure to use correct grammar and spelling. Include citations as appropriate.

  • What is the code of ethics for sociological research?

  • How are ethics important in sociological research?

  • Why is it vital for sociologists to protect the people they study?

  • How can biases be avoided when conducting and collecting research?

  • Do you think it is ever acceptable for sociologists to not identify themselves when conducting research? Why or why not?

  • Do you think it is ever acceptable for sociologists to misrepresent themselves when conducting research? Why or why not?

  • What is an example of sociological research when the ethics were questionable?

Materials

None required.

Checklist