Type of Credit: Elective
Credit(s)
Number of Students
This course is designed to provide advanced sociology students with a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in quantitative research methods. Throughout the semester, students will engage in the entire research process, from formulating research questions and theories to conducting data analysis and presenting findings. The course format will be a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical workshops, ensuring that students not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of quantitative methods but also gain proficiency in applying these methods to real-world sociological questions.
能力項目說明
The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct independent quantitative research in sociology. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
| 教學週次Course Week | 彈性補充教學週次Flexible Supplemental Instruction Week | 彈性補充教學類別Flexible Supplemental Instruction Type |
|---|---|---|
Weekly Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to the Course
Overview of the course structure and expectations.
Introduction to quantitative research in sociology.
Week 2: Discovering Research Questions
Identifying sociological problems amenable to quantitative analysis.
Techniques for formulating clear, researchable questions.
Week 3: Thinking Through Theory and Hypotheses
Discussion of key sociological theories.
How to develop hypotheses from theory.
Week 4: Getting Data
Overview of data sources in sociology (surveys, databases, etc.).
Week 5: Getting Data (continued)
Practical session on data collection techniques.
Ethical considerations in data collection.
Week 6: Nitty Gritty of Data Analysis (Part 1)
Discussion of missing values
Week 7: Nitty Gritty of Data Analysis (Part 2)
Discussion of causality
Week 8: Nitty Gritty of Data Analysis (Part 3)
Discussion of interaction terms
Week 9: Writing Effective Conclusion/Discussion
How to interpret quantitative results.
Writing impactful discussion sections.
Week 10: Writing Effective Conclusion/Discussion (continued)
Peer review session of written analysis.
Revising and strengthening argumentation.
Weeks 11-14: Final Project Work
Independent work on final projects with periodic check-ins.
Application of course concepts to individual research questions.
Week 15: Final Project Presentations
Students present their research findings.
Feedback session from peers and instructor.
Week 16: Final Project Presentations (continued)
Remaining students present their research findings.
Course wrap-up and reflection.
Week 17 & 18
Attending sociological talks or workshops
The final paper is the cornerstone of the course, constituting 50% of the total grade. This assignment requires students to undertake a comprehensive research project that demonstrates their ability to apply quantitative methods to a sociological question or issue. The paper should articulate a clear research question or hypothesis, provide a thorough literature review to contextualize the research, and describe the quantitative methods used, including data sources, variables, and analytical techniques. Students are expected to present their results using appropriate tables, graphs, and statistical tests, and to interpret their findings in relation to the research question and existing literature. The paper should conclude with a summary of key findings and suggestions for future research. Adherence to academic standards for formatting, citations, and references is also crucial.
The final project presentation, accounting for 30% of the total grade, offers students the opportunity to present their research findings to the class. This presentation should succinctly summarize the key elements of the final paper in a clear and engaging manner. Students are expected to structure their presentation to include an introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion. Clarity of content, effective use of visual aids such as slides, charts, and graphs, and the ability to engage with the audience are essential components of the presentation. Students should encourage questions and be prepared to discuss and defend their research. Adherence to the allotted time for the presentation, typically around 15-20 minutes, is also important.
Participation and engagement are vital components of the seminar, contributing 20% to the total grade. This aspect evaluates students' involvement in class discussions, activities, and their overall contribution to the seminar environment. Regular and punctual attendance is expected, along with thorough preparation for each class, including completion of required readings. Active participation in discussions, asking insightful questions, and providing thoughtful comments are crucial. Students are also expected to collaborate effectively with peers during group activities and discussions, and to show respect for diverse perspectives, thereby contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Assigned readings will be available on Moodle
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