Social Research Methods SO/SW 202

LSSU

Dr. R.C. Crandall Spring [sic] 2005

Course Description

Introduction to the basic methods of social research.

Course Objectives

01. To introduce the scientific method.

02. To present an introduction to social research methods.

03. To demonstrate the importance of social research, both in science and in “everyday life.”

04. To incorporate basic computer-related social research skills, including data base management, and text and reference storage and retrieval systems.

05. To communicate the basic ethical guidelines in research.

06. To learn procedures for gathering and organizing sociological information.

Textbook

The Practice of Social Research (ninth edition) - Earl Babbie

Schedule

Tuesday Thursday

01. 01/10 Introduction Chapter 01

02. 01/17 No Class Exam Period 1

03. 01/24 Chapter 02 Chapter 03

04. 01/31 Exam Period 2 Chapter 04

05. 02/07 Chapter 05 Exam Period 3

06. 02/14 Chapter 06 Chapter 07

07. 02/21 Exam Period 4 Chapter 08

08. 02/28 No Class No Class

09. 03/07 No Class No Class

10. 03/14 Chapter 09 Exam Period 5

11. 03/21 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

12. 03/28 Exam Period 6 Chapter 12

13. 04/04 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 & Appendixes A, B, C, & J

14. 04/11 Exam Period 7 MU 1 & 2

15. 04/18 MU 3 & 4 MU 5 & 6

16. 04/25 MU 7, Thursday, 28 April, 10:00 a.m.

Examinations

There will be a separate exam over 15 of the “chapters” in the text (Chapters 1-12, 18, 19, and appendices A, B, C, & J). The exams will be grouped into seven exam periods, with one to three exams each period. Each exam will be composed of 4 essay questions, and each question will be worth 10 points. Each exam is worth 40 points. Exams will be graded primarily on content. However, I expect your answers to be in complete sentences and for words to be speellled correctly. You will lose points for incomplete sentences and sppelingg errors.

If you miss an exam, or want to retake and exam, there will be a make-up exam later in the course. This is an opportunity, not an entitlement. The exams will cover the textbook, AV presentations, lectures, in-class handouts, and discussions.

Grades

You have the choice of two grading options: liberal or conservative.

1. Liberal: The high scoring students will “contribute”some of “their”points to low scoring students. Students who select this option must complete form LIBERAL-IN-05 in triplicate, and send it via certified mail to the instructor by 30 December 2004. The details of this option are complex. Thus, every student selecting this option will be provided a 9,352 page instruction booklet and two lawyers.

2. Conservative: Grades are determined by ability and effort. The points YOU earn will determine the grade YOU receive! Students who do not select Option 1 will automatically be placed in Option 2.

For those in the conservative grading option, final grades will be determined by the total number of points earned in the course. There are 600 points possible in the course (15 exams each worth 40 points = 600). The grading scale is listed below:

596-600 = A+

545-595 = A

540-544 = A-

536-539 = B+

485-535 = B

480-484 = B-

476-479 = C+

425-475 = C

420-424 = C-

416-419 = D+

365-415 = D

360-364 = D-

000-359 = F

Relevant Information

01. Telephone/Office:

Office: Library 306

Telephone: 635-2103

Office Hours: M & W 12:30- 3:00 p.m.

02. Class Information:

Day/Time: T & R 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Classroom: CAS 119

03. Attendance is required for all classes. You will lose points for missing class!

04. There may be some short in-class extra-credit assignments. Points from any extra-credit assignments will be applied to all grades except “A+”.

05. Keep all of your exams for one term beyond the completion of this course.

06. Papers, exams, etc. are only returned in-class. Those that are not picked up in-class are rapidly discard. Exam scores and course grades are NOT given out over the phone or via email. Disputes about exam scores MUST be dealt with “in writing” within two class periods after the return of the exam.

07. Purchase the book by the first class period. Notify me if there is a problem obtaining a textbook.

08. If you want to drop the course you will need to fill out a drop slip or you will receive an "F" in the course. If you want to drop the course, the secretary in the School of Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences can sign your drop form.

09. All exams will be as scheduled unless you are notified otherwise. In the event that an exam cannot be held as scheduled, it will be given during the next class period.

10. Be on time for exams. If you are late you may not be given an exam.

11. I do not sign forms (i.e., athletics, etc.) that deal with grades, attendance, etc.

Warning: This class may be hazardous to your GPA. Grade inflation stops with this course! Additionally, the instructor makes no pretense, and few attempts, of being PC (politically correct). The instructor will, however, attempt to equally offend all sexes, ages, races, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and nationalities covered by the PC stupidity.