Methods of Social and Behavioral Research

Course Overview:

The purpose of research in the social sciences is to explain, describe, and explore social relationships and in so doing detect meaningful patterns otherwise unobserved. Research has three components: theory, methods, and statistics. Theory deals with the logical interrelations among variables. Methods address research design and modes of data collection. Statistics is a means of summarizing a data set and making an inference from a sample to an unknown population.

This course focuses on all three of these components. First, students will learn how to write and spot theoretical statements. Second, students will study different research methods including experimental research, descriptive research, qualitative methods, quasi-experimentation, and evaluation research. Third, students will use statistical methods to interpret research findings. Statistical methods covered include the t-test, Pearson r, regression, and analysis of variance.

Educational Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose of science and research in the social sciences

2. Differentiate between scientific and ordinary knowing

3. Define determinism and explain how it relates to research in the social sciences

4. Write a theoretical statement about a phenomenon of interest to the student

5. Spot the theoretical rational in various research papers

6. Differentiate between applied and basic research

7. Develop testable hypotheses and answerable research questions

8. Conceptualize an original research project

9. Review articles in an area of interest to you

10. Speak the language of variables, including independent variables, dependent variables, random variables, control variables, and confounding variables.

11. Identify the steps involved in the research process

12. Understand criteria of effective measurement, including reliability and validity, internal and external.

13. Operationally define variables

14. Use various sampling designs to go from a population to a sample

15. Use controlled experiments to assert causal relationships and be able to calculate and interpret the t-test and F ratio

16. Understand repeated measures and counterbalancing

17. Conduct descriptive research, including observational, survey,and archival research

18. Be able to calculate and interpret Pearson r and the coefficient of determination by hand and using SPSS

19. Conduct quasi-experimental research, including non-equivalent control group studies, co-relational studies,' interrupted time-series designs, and single subject designs

20. Conduct evaluation research

21. Understand key concepts related to ethical issues in research methods

Texts: Introduction to Psychological Research, Allen, Peacock,1995 and Writing Empirical Research Reports. Pyrczak and Bruce. Pyrczak Publishing, 1998.

Criteria for Course Completion:

1. Four quizzes

2. One research proposal

3. Ten independently completed lab exercises

4. Comprehensive final exam

Evaluation:

1. Quizzes are worth 100 points each

2. Proposal is worth 100 points

3. Each lab is worth 10 points

4. Comprehensive final exam is worth 100 points

Total possible points=700

Final grades will be based on the following scale:

A=630 points
B=560 points
C=490 points
D=420 points
F=below 420 points

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions and activities. Collaborative learning groups will be created and students will be expected to actively participate in group projects.

Make-up Policy:

Students are strongly discouraged from missing quizzes. If a quiz is missed, a make-up test will be written for the student. However, because this is time consuming, make-up tests will only be given under extreme circumstances.

Note: make-up tests are more difficult that tests taken on time.

HONOR CODE:

This instructor fully supports the University of Virginia's Honor Code.

Quizzes and Final Exam:

Quizzes require students to compare and contrast, create examples, and evaluate concepts discussed in class. Quizzes do not ask students to simply recall lecture material. Quizzes also require students to demonstrate their knowledge of the key terms listed at the end of the chapters assigned in class.

The comprehensive final exam will include questions on all 21 outcomes.