SOCI500: Data Collection for Research and Evaluation

This course introduces students to quantitative data collection and analysis. Students will learn how to design and execute research projects that meet the needs of both private and non-profit research organizations by considering client needs, ethical considerations, budgetary constraints and project planning challenges. The main components of the course include designing and administering data collection instruments, data coding, and interpreting, tabulating and reporting quantitative data. The course will also focus on using statistical packages such as SPSS in analyzing survey data. By the conclusion of the course, students will also be prepared to effectively present the findings of their research using written, verbal and visual methods of communication. 3 sh.

SOCI556: Data Analysis

This course introduces students to hands-on techniques in quantitative data analysis. The main components of the course are: 1. Data cleaning and organization; 2. descriptive statistics for categorical and continuous variables; 3. basics of statistical theory; 4. inferential statistical tests; 5. simple linear regression; 6. basics of multiple regression; 7. measurement, scaling, index, and elementary factor analysis. This course will also focus on data and model interpretation. In class, students will analyze and interpret real data that are used by market research companies, government agencies and social policy organizations. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in statistics. Starting Fall 2014: None.

SOCI568: Survey Writing

The use of surveys to measure attitudes, behaviors and program outcomes has become widespread in business, research, marketing, politics, and media. In this class, students will learn how to write surveys, collect data, and present survey results for applied research projects. Course topics will include identifying variables, conceptualization, index and scale construction, visual questionnaire presentation, piloting, testing for validity and reliability, and survey administration. Under the guidance of the professor, students will be trained to construct and pilot their own questionnaire. An emphasis will be placed on the use of surveys for needs assessments, program evaluations and policy analyses. 3 sh.

SOCI569: Interviews and Focus Groups

This course introduces students to qualitative research methods used in the social sciences. In this class, students will be exposed to typical qualitative research techniques such as in-depth interviews, ethnographies, focus groups and content analysis. The main components of this course are 1) designing ethnographies 2) conducting in-depth interviews 3) designing focus groups 4) interpreting, tabulating and reporting qualitative data. The course will also focus on coding techniques and writing and reporting qualitative findings. 3 sh.