Choose a sociological research question that you can use to create a mini-study. Consider topics and sociological theories that might interest you on topics you have discussed in this course.
Hypothesize a relationship between a dependent variable and various independent variables. You will use the scientific method and research sociological research methods that would be appropriate for designing your study and conducting the experiment. As a part of researching and choosing an experimental design, analyze the effects of at least four or five factors that may influence your results, such as bias, testing effect, and ethics
Once you have researched and analyzed the study topic and its design, conduct the study and analyze your results.
At the end of your project, you will provide:
A 3- to 6-page academic paper which:
Applies one or two concepts and theories and appropriate terminology to explain the research question, study design, methods used, and benefits and limitations of each
Describes the data collected in the study
Discusses your conclusions based on the data collected
Analyzes the impact of experimental design on conducting a study
Analyzes different factors that might have impacted the results of your study
Discusses sources of possible researcher bias
Applies one or two sociological concepts and theories, and appropriate terminology as needed
Uses and properly cites three to five academic resources, one or two newspaper or magazine articles, and other sources.
Activity Steps
Step 1, Prepare:
Consult the text to familiarize yourself with the different types of experimental designs that are common in sociological research. Then brainstorm two possible research topics, and detail potential variables to be analyzed and the type of experimental design and research methods that would likely be used.
Step 2, Choose a Topic:
Consider your study ideas and decide which topic has independent and dependent variables that are researchable given the constraints of the project and project schedule. Decide which topic, study design, and variables are best suited for a ministudy, analysis, and academic paper.
Step 3, Conduct Research:
Use the Internet, databases, and library resources to research resources that appropriately explain how other sociological studies have gathered data on similar topics. For example, were interviews conducted with subjects? If so, what types of questions were asked? You should also consider how these methods may impact certain factors such as bias, testing effect, and ethics.
Step 4, Conduct the Study:
After reviewing the research, identify how to conduct the study, and which factors might impact the study and how to minimize them. Analyze the components of the study and the variables within it. Plan, schedule, and carry out the study.
Please make sure that you have obtained INFORMED CONSENT prior to your study.
Step 5, Analysis: After conducting the experiment, analyze the data collection methods as well as the data itself. What does the data say about the relationship between the stated variables? Formulate conclusions about the study that detail your findings and your data.
Step 6, Paper writing:
Incorporating the research and analysis you conducted in previous steps, present the results of your study, data collection, and analysis in a 3- to 6-page academic paper. Detail what occurred in the study and discuss its various components (hypothesis, dependent and independent variables, etc.). Care should be taken to assure that concepts, study components, and conclusions are presented in a logical way.
Analyze how three or four factors may have affected the results of the study.
Your analysis should focus on your specific experiment, but it should also engage in a larger discussion on the impact of ethics and bias in sociological research. Properly cite three to five peer-reviewed academic sources, one or two newspaper or magazine articles, and other sources as used; apply one or two sociological concepts and theories; and use and define appropriate sociological terminology.
