Prerequisites

• Sociological principles (soc 1000)
• Introductory statistics (stats 2070)

Required Materials

• Earl Babbie. (2015 or newer). The Practice of Social Research (14th or 15th Edition).
• Additional readings will be provided online

Overview

SOC 3180-Sociological Research Methods exposes students to social science research methodology. In the course will explore the foundations of research (hypothesis formulation and theory construction), the process of measurement (conceptualization and operationalization), and data collection techniques (e.g., experimental, survey, observational).

Goals

The goals of this course are three-fold. At the end of the course the learner should be able to:

• Explain the difference between a theory and a hypothesis, and formulate their own hypotheses based on social theory or prior empirical evidence
• Identify the data collection techniques of, and critique, completed research
• Propose a feasible methodology to answer a given social sciences research question

Evaluation

Weekly discussions/activities: Short group or individual activities based on the assigned readings will be due on Wednesdays. Students can complete these activities or discussions by attending class in-person on Wednesdays, or by submitting accordingly online. Students' lowest activity score will be dropped at the end of the semester—65 points total

Research proposal: —180 points total

Proposals will be broken down into the following Assignments: 1) Ethics Assignment, 2) Topic Approval, 3) Initial Reference List, 5) Proposal Outline, 6) Final Proposal (5-6 pages), 7) Proposal Presentation.

Three quizzes: —120 points total

Three quizzes will be assigned across the semester (40 points each). Quizzes are not intentionally cumulative, however course content does build across the semester, requiring students to exhibit a mastery of concepts throughout the course. Quizzes will be largely multiple choice/true false, with some short answer or matching questions.

• Students will have 50 minutes to complete quizzes. 
• Quiz dates can be found in the schedule below & on the course calendar

Grades will be assigned as follows:

                                A:90%+                             B:80-89%               C:70-79%

                                D:60-69%                          F:59% or below

Writing Guidelines

• Late and emailed work will not be accepted.
• Use proper grammar and proofread.
• Upload all assignments on WyoWeb.
• Use 12 pt., Times New Roman font.
• Use 1” margins on all sides.
• Double-space papers.
• Use proper citation techniques for all cited material (ASA or APA).
• Plagiarism is not allowed and will result in a failing grade.
• Choose a style and be consistent.
• Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a loss of points.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

This class consists of readings, slides, active learning activities, collaborative class discussions and writing assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to complete each module’s requirements by the due date and stay current with readings. The success of discussions depends upon each student’s active engagement and participation. Students are expected to contribute to discussions through thoughtful input and attentive responses. The schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change (and probably will) at the discretion of the instructor.  In order to stay current with announcements regarding the schedule, you will need to attend and be on time for class, and check WyoCourses regularly.

NEW STUDY RESOURCE: CircleIn

UW has made CircleIn, a virtual studying app/website, available to you and your classmates. You can easily hop on a video call with classmates, create study groups, and share helpful content. Earn points and rewards, just for helping and collaborating with your classmates.

To get started on your computer, phone, or other device, Download the App or visit the App’s Desktop Version. Search University of Wyoming, enter your school log-in credentials, and select “Authorize” to get started. 

OFFICE HOURS:

Zoom Office Hours are Mon/Tue from 10-11:30 or by appointment.