York University, Faculty of LAPS
Professor J. Paul Grayson
SOCI 2030 6.00H – Sociological Research Methods
Term: Y
Description: Social research skills are an important component of a bachelor’s degree in sociology and are relevant to many jobs in the private and public sectors of the economy. In recognition of the importance of developing social research skills, the objective of this course is to provide participants with the knowledge to identify the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative techniques of social research and to develop some job skills required by some entry-level research positions. Students will be introduced to general differences in, and assumptions underlying, the collection of qualitative and quantitative information and the specific ways in which focus group and survey analyses are conducted. Course participants will actually conduct focus groups with members of a learning group to which they will be assigned and analyse survey data using SPSS.
Students who have never before taken a web course may have a misconception that a web course is one in which they learn in isolation of other students in the course. By contrast, the format of the current course is one in which students have a high degree of interaction with other students over the web. As a result, it is imperative that you log on to the course on the first day of classes.
If you do not log on during the first week of classes, 5% per week will be deducted from your final mark. After the first two weeks, you will not be allowed into the course.
Format: Internet
Assignments & Grades:
Participation = 30%
Focus group gist = 5%
Focus group report = 10%
SPSS exercises = 10%
Survey report = 25%
Final test = 20%
Required Reading(s):
Einsiedel , Albert A. Jr., et al. How to Conduct Focus Groups. Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan, University Extension Press, 1996. (Also available on-line)
Additional materials will be provided.
SPSS Program (undergraduate) available from http://www.cns.yorku.ca/computing/apps/software_order_form.html
Course Director: P. Grayson, 438 Atkinson, (416) 736-2100 X 20484