SOS-492 Research Methods in Social Sciences
Research Methods in the Social Sciences is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the different methodologies associated with research, principally qualitative and quantitative analysis. The biggest benefit that different research methodologies bring to a social scientist is the ability to develop firm correlations between the causes of observed phenomena and their consequences (an integral part of quantitative analysis) and to draw reliable causal explanations beyond mere correlations (the central focus of qualitative analysis). Students will also learn the practical knowledge and skills necessary for preparing robust social science research projects that can be applied in a variety of different settings. In particular, students will learn to create viable research designs, develop a research agenda, and match that agenda with the correct research tools and methodologies.
Advisory: This is an upper-level course. Students should have knowledge equivalent to an introductory course in social sciences.