Research Methods in the Social Sciences

THERESA MORRIS - RESEARCH METHODS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
COURSE DESCRIPTION	HOW WE COLLABORATED	THE EXERCISE: OPERATIONALIZATION WITH CAR CRASH DATA
An introduction to social sciences inquiry, stressing what is common as well as what is different in the techniques and procedures employed in the different disciplines. The course seeks to develop the student’s skill in designing original research and in evaluating the significance of already published research findings. Topics include: the interdependence of theory and research; ways of formulating research problems and hypotheses; the variety of research designs (introducing the ideas of statistical as well as experimental control); and an overview of the major procedures of instrument construction, measurement, data collection, sampling, and data analysis. Required laboratory sessions offer experience in each step of the research process.