Social Science Research Methds

Catalog description

“This course will introduce students to research methods used in conducting and reviewing social science research. A specific emphasis will be placed on basic research principles and concepts within the context of quantitative and qualitative methods used in the social sciences. The course will explore a range of topics including epistemology, research, and methods; theoretical models in research; ethics in research; quantitative and qualitative research design, measurement, sampling, and analysis; and multicultural epistemology, theory, and research. This course is intended to prepare human development students to provide critical analyses of social science research. They will learn that the production of research is political and value-laden. Another objective of this course is for students to become able to read and understand research methods provided in scholarly articles and to critically evaluate the value and limitations of published studies, to practice utilizing various research methods to answer questions about the social world, and to support interventions that improve communities. Open only to juniors and seniors currently matriculated in HDEV. Offered fall and spring.